Last Sunday—the First of Advent – those statements introduced my
message. The Advent Candle signifying Hope had been lit and a brief reading
presented. Hope—a marvelous
focus for introducing the Advent season culminating in Christmas and the
celebration of our Saviour’s birth.
Either loss or absence of hope can sometimes be tied to the kind of
values a person holds. For example, consider the stock market crash of October
1929 that kicked off The Great Depression of the 1930s. Thousands of wealthy
people lost their fortunes overnight. The media reported a rash of suicides of
those who, overwhelmed by deep anguish and utter despondency, cast themselves
from office towers to smash on the streets below, while others jumped from
bridges to perish in frigid waters.
It’s entirely possible that a good many of those souls had invested
their hopes in the thing they valued most—their riches. News of their financial
ruin was sufficient to plunge them into hopeless despair.
Often it was common folk who, although possessing little beforehand,
showed great fortitude and resourcefulness, pressing through against all odds,
rationing and sharing the little they had. Then similarly, in WWII, which
followed.
They valued a work ethic and tackled the challenge of keeping their
families alive. They valued life itself and expected themselves to do their
best despite dire circumstances. Hope’s flame, though flickering, still shed
light. Millions from across society crowded into churches to pray and renew
their commitments to God.
Numerous factors may give rise to acts of suicide—each one tragic.
However, we can note that monumental emotional pain, lack of hope and one’s feeling
helplessly imprisoned in despair can result in his or her devaluing or undervaluing
life.
Source: PrintShop |
To what shall we liken hope? A light – even a small, flickering flame. A tiny seed invested in the ground. A tender shoot – its filamentary roots clinging to a crevice of the soul. A deposit made of the most valued thing surrendered.
Credit: Dreamstimes |
“For to us a
child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his
shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV2011).
Credit: Print Shop |
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises
upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1NIV2011).
Isaiah declared God’s message of hope in the midst of gathering gloom in
Old Testament Israel. Many had forsaken their trust in the Lord God and had
lost their moral and faith compass, while foreign powers threatened them.
Then and now, those who invest and maintain their trust in Father God
and embrace the message that in the promised Messiah / Christ the Light of God comes to them, His
glory – honour and favour – rises upon
them.
Let us embrace Jesus Christ our Light and let His Light of Hope fill our hearts and embrace us.
3 comments:
Shine on me and through me Lord Jesus. Thanks for your hope-filled words, Peter.
I LOVE this post, Peter. Not sure if it's because I am contemplating a story about suicide or the beautiful picture you paint of HOPE. Absolutely well said and thoughtful. Mum and Dad often spoke of the rationing that they had to do during WWII. I understand a little.
And this is so wise: 'When the light of hope is restored, the heart can heal". May I tweet that with this link, please? I think it quite profound and true!
Thank you David and Glynis. And yes, be completely free to use that little thought, Glynis. May God bless lives and prosper the thoughts He gives us as we write and post here and elsewhere.~~+~~
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