Living Hope

Sermon Quick Summary
The Advent Season reminds us of the light of hope brought by Jesus Christ to our planet shrouded in darkness that is marked by despair, brokenness, and uncertainty. Our planet’s darkness with pain and brokenness is all around us. The darkness is also inside of us. However, our world is not completely dark; Christian hope is alive based on what Jesus said and did. Through the lens of Isaiah 9:2, John 1:4-5, and Hebrews 10:23, there is transformative power. Unlike fleeting worldly hope, Christian hope is anchored in the unchanging character of God and God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. This message unfolds three key truths about hope. First, hope floats, guiding us above despair; it lights the flame of hope in your heart with God’s Word; it releases to God whatever is weighing us down. Second, biblical Christian hope guides by illuminating our path with the promises of God. Third, hope is strengthened in community, as we gather together to encourage and uplift one another through the power of the Holy Spirit. This Advent Season, let us carry the living hope of Christ that darkness will never overcome, as we reflect His love to others.
 
The Advent Season reminds us of the light of hope brought by Jesus Christ to our planet shrouded in darkness that is marked by despair, brokenness, and uncertainty.
             We are entering the Advent Season. Advent literally means arrival or coming, so this is a special season of preparation and anticipation as we remember the days until Jesus’ first coming and that Jesus is coming again. As we enter into this Advent Season, we are joining millions of Jesus-followers all around the world celebrating the birth of Christ. A world that God loved so much that God gave the gift of His only Son to be light in the darkness, a living hope for all of humanity. We need hope in our world today.
              Christian author Madeline L’Engle uses imagery in her young adult fantasy novel, A Wrinkle in Time, to help us understand the idea of “dark planets.” L’Engle’s imagery of a “dark planet” is not far from our reality about earth. These are fictional planets where darkness has taken hold, and despair and oppression reign. The darkness on these planets seeks to smother all joy, hope, and truth, leaving the inhabitants on these planets trapped in fear and hopelessness. But even on the darkest of these planets, there is the hope of redemption through the power of love and light from the divine.

Our planet’s darkness with pain and brokenness is all around us.
            Our world is shrouded in darkness, and the weight of that darkness can be crushing. Let us look over our planet and note the shadows of pain and brokenness all around us. The world is heavy with injustice. Wars rage across nations, tearing apart families, leaving children orphaned, and forcing millions to flee their homes. Corruption fuels cycles of oppression as the powerful exploit the weak. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires, strike without warning leaving devastation in their wake. And as we hear these stories day after day, it feels like the shadows grow darker. The world’s suffering extends to our communities and neighborhoods. Broken families grieve the loss of relationships. Addiction consumes lives. Poverty and homelessness leave many without shelter, food, or a sense of safety. Fear of violence lingers in places such as schools, churches, and homes  that should be safe havens.

The darkness is also inside of us.
            The darkness isn’t just out there. It’s inside of us, too. We can see how our own hearts wrestle with these shadows. Anxiety whispers fears that rob us of peace. Grief for loved ones lost or dreams unfulfilled weighs down our spirits. Loneliness can feel like a relentless companion, even in a crowd. Bitterness and anger take root, fueled by unresolved wounds or unmet expectations. The darkness can whisper lies, too, like “You’re not enough,” “There’s no way out,” “This is all there is,” or “The use in this is what?”
            There is also guilt from the quiet recognition of how often we’ve contributed to the darkness. We can contribute to the darkness with harsh words spoken in anger, moments of selfishness, and times when we could have but chose not to help. The more we reflect on our world, the darker it can feel. There are times when it feels as if darkness is winning, pressing in, suffocating. We may try to ignore it, escape it, or numb it with medication, alcohol, or other habits. But if we are honest, we know there is darkness on this planet. Even with the good, beauty, and joy that we can experience, darkness lurks like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour.

However, our world is not completely dark; Christian hope is alive based on what Jesus said and did.
            There is hope in the darkness. Just like in L’Engle’s novel, there remains the possibility of redemption through love and light. Hope is alive. We may hear people talk about “hope.” But for many, what they mean is little more than wishful thinking—a vague optimism that things might get better. This kind of worldly hope is uncertain, fleeting, and often disappoints because it depends on circumstances or human effort.
            However, Christian hope is different. It is hope that is not rooted in circumstances but in what Jesus said and what He did. Christian hope does not deny the pain of reality but is a confident assurance, anchored in the person and promises of God. It is the assurance that all is and will be well. Christian hope is a living hope that God set in motion at the beginning of time and has continued to unfold throughout history.

Through the lens of Isaiah 9:2, John 1:4-5, and Hebrews 10:23, there is transformative power. Unlike fleeting worldly hope, Christian hope is anchored in the unchanging character of God and God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
            As we prepare for Jesus’ coming again in the Second Advent and remember His birth, these scriptures invite us to reflect on the hope and meaning of Jesus’ birth. Hope is often ignited in the darkest of moments. Jesus, the light that was promised, did indeed come, and Jesus continues to shine.
            Our text from Isaiah 9:2 is a simple one: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” This was a message of hope for the original hearers. They were well-acquainted with the darkness of this world. They were a people facing uncertainty, oppression, and despair. Israel had experienced the weight of its sin, the devastation of war, and the silence of waiting on God’s promises. Yet, Isaiah announces a promise that God’s light is coming to pierce through the overwhelming darkness. When Isaiah speaks of a “land of deep darkness,” he’s also referring to the brokenness of humanity in fear, chaos, and hopelessness. He’s referring to a world separated from God and all the ramifications and consequences that flow from that reality, just like we see in our world today. Yet, into this despair, Isaiah offers the hope of a coming great light—a light that will transform not only the circumstances of the people but their very hearts. This was no ordinary light; it was the promise of the Messiah, hope for the entire world.
            In the gospel of John 1:4-5, we see the words of Isaiah being fulfilled in Jesus Christ. John wrote, “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” In the context of the entire 1st Chapter of John, the reference is clear: Jesus is the light Isaiah spoke of, the light that breaks into the darkness of the world offering a living hope.
            The writer of Hebrews 19:23 tells us:  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for He who promised is faithful.” In the midst of the darkest of dark days, we have a living hope. This means we are not only recipients of hope but also participants in it. As we hold onto hope unswervingly, we are to be hope beacons, conduits, and hope enthusiasts not only for our own lives but also for others.
            Isaiah’s promise, John’s proclamation, and the writer of Hebrews invite us to live into the hope Jesus offers each and every day.

This message unfolds three key truths about hope:
            How do we do hold on to the Living Hope? We can live into the hope that Jesus gives when we understand that hope floats, hope guides, and hope is strengthened in community through the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
First, hope floats, guiding us above despair.
            Let’s consider how hope floats. As we celebrate Christmas around the world, we see the beauty of sky lanterns that is a tradition found in many Asian cultures. These lanterns are often lit during festivals and rise into the night sky, carrying prayers, dreams, and aspirations. Their gentle glow illuminates the darkness, creating a breathtaking display of light that floats above the chaos below. Ever so gently, these lanterns flow with the movement of the wind and metaphorically embody hope.
            For example, just as the flame within the lantern enables it to raise, our hope in Christ lifts us above despair, buoying us to hold on to His promises and embrace hope with confidence. This is the essence of the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 5:3-5, where he frames life’s struggles as a process in which confident and unshakable hope rises to the surface. Paul writes: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:3-5). Paul’s words remind us that the trials, suffering, and struggles of darkness are not without purpose. They refine us, build our spiritual maturity, and strengthen hope as we cling to God’s unchanging love for us.
            As hope floats, we are reminded that God always has a plan, even though it often means waiting for God’s plan to unfold. Hope gives us the courage to take steps of faith, even when the destination is not fully in view. The children of Israel had a long wait for the Messiah; all the generations who lived and died before Isaiah’s prophecy and promise were realized had to wait on God. It was 600 years! Waiting is not something we are used to doing, especially in our instant culture. Remember when the internet first came out and we had dial-up service? We had to wait while we listened to the eerie electronic dial-up sound. Back in the day, it took roughly 30 seconds for a connection. Now, according to most studies, people will click off a website if it doesn’t load in 3 seconds! In our world today, we are not good at waiting.
            But hope that floats lifts our spirits and gives us a reason to wait as we anticipate an answer to a concern and a better future. Hope that floats helps us to hold on because help is on the way, no matter how long it may take.
            Are you in need of hope that floats this morning?  Are you or someone you care about feeling the weight of lost hope and in need of hope to rise?
            There are two ways to let hope float: light the flame of hope in your heart with God’s Word and release to God whatever is weighing you down. These may not be new for you, but they may be exactly what you need in this Advent Season.
 
It lights the flame of hope in your heart with God’s Word.         
Just as sky lanterns need a flame to rise, we need the light of God’s Word and promises to fuel our hope. Meditating on scriptures like Romans 5:5 assures us that “this hope will not lead to disappointment,” reminding us of God’s faithfulness and larger plan. Hope floats as it is undergirded by the love and faithfulness of God. God’s plan may not be our plan, but God does have a plan for what’s next. Daily prayer, reflection, and worship are ways we can stoke the flame and create space for God to speak into the darkness, enabling hope to float.
            Psalm 119:105 reminds us: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” In times of uncertainty, darkness, and hopelessness, Scripture can provide clarity, wisdom, and direction and give us guiding hope. God speaks through God’s Word. When we practice listening, God will find ways to confirm what God is saying: It may be through an inner knowing, it may come through another person, or something you read, hear, or notice. But hope guides us as we seek God’s direction with the confidence that God will indeed lead and guide as surely as He used the Star of Bethlehem to guide the wise men.
During this Advent Season, we can make time to meditate on God’s Word daily, letting His promises guide our decisions, shape our perspective, and keep hope alive even when we aren’t certain where God is guiding us. Hope guides us as we stay the course in faith.

It releases to God whatever is weighing you down.
            Hope floats when we set it free. The lanterns rise because they are free from earthly weights. As we remember and prepare for Jesus’ birth, we are reminded that He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We are reminded that Jesus Christ is Emmanuel, meaning God with us. That means He can more than handle whatever is weighing us down. Releasing our burdens and trusting God with our struggles allows our hope in God and Jesus Christ to lift us above the heaviness of life.

Second, biblical Christian hope guides by illuminating our path with the promises of God.
            As we consider Christmas around the world, there is one Christmas symbol from the Philippines that is esteemed for Filipinos all over the world above all others. It is the parol, which is a beautiful, star-shaped lantern. It’s more than just a decoration. The parol is a symbol of hope and guidance, representing the Star of Bethlehem that led the wise men to Jesus.
            These lanterns are often intricately designed and lit during the Christmas season, reminding us of the light that God provides to lead us through the darkness. Historically, the parol was also a symbol of hospitality. Travelers who saw one hanging in a home’s open window at night knew they were welcome to seek refuge there. Parol lanterns provided a path to follow and guided the way.
            This cultural tradition gives us a beautiful metaphor of the hope we also have in Christ. Just as the Star of Bethlehem led the wise men to their Savior, Christian hope provides direction when we feel lost.
It was hope to find the Christ child that led the wise men in Matthew 2 to follow the Star of Bethlehem. Their journey wasn’t easy. It required faith, perseverance, and discernment. Yet, they pressed on because of the confident hope that the star would lead them to Jesus Christ, the King greater than themselves they had been waiting for. Just as the wise men persevered through their journey, Christian author George Iles is quoted as saying, “Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.”
            Faith is taking one step at a time, trusting that God is guiding you as you go, and believing with unswerving hope that your destination will be exactly where God wants you to be. The parol reminds us that hope is not static; it is a guiding light that moves us toward God, God’s plan, and God’s promises. Like the wise men, we are called to be steadfast as hope leads us onward.

Third, hope is strengthened in community, as we gather together to encourage and uplift one another through the power of the Holy Spirit.
            One of the most cherished aspects of Filipino Christmas traditions is the emphasis on family and community. At the heart of these Christmas celebrations is Noche Buena, the grand Christmas Eve feast that gathers extended families together. It is a time of deep connection, love, and shared joy, not just a meal. Relatives from near and far come together, setting aside differences to celebrate the birth of Christ. The table overflows with traditional dishes, but the highlight is not the food; it’s the togetherness, the laughter, and the collective gratitude.
            This tradition is a beautiful picture of the truth that hope is strengthened in community. Just as a family finds strength, joy, and hope in gathering around the table, the body of Christ finds hope in coming together as a spiritual family.
            We are not called to walk alone. Especially in a world filled with darkness and despair, hope is strengthened when we gather with others to worship, encourage one another, and serve together.
In Acts 2:46-47, we see the early church living in vibrant community: “They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
            This snapshot of a caring, sharing, worshiping, and fellowshipping community highlights that the body of Christ is meant to be an extended family. And in such a community, hope thrived—not because their lives were free of trials but because they came together to support, love, and remind each other of the love and promises of God. Their shared meals, prayers, and acts of generosity created an environment where hope was continually renewed. When hope is renewed, hope is strengthened for another day. Hope is expanded in community. Your hope inspires hope in me, and vice versa. The darkness of the world doesn’t feel so overbearing in the strength of community. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 declares: “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
            Hope is amplified when shared in community and spreads as the Holy Spirit aligns hearts and strengthens hope in God’s children.
            How do we strengthen hope in community in very practical ways? For example, just as Filipino families come together for Noche Buena, we too can gather with our spiritual family to share meals, stories, and prayer. Breaking bread together creates bonds that sustain hope, reminding us that we are not alone. We can look for ways to encourage each other. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another.” Whether through words of affirmation, acts of kindness, or simply being present, encouragement fuels hope in others.
We can be the Body of Christ for one another. As the church, we are called to carry one another’s burdens (See Galatians 6:2). We can listen, notice, and extend ourselves to family members who may be weighed down by the challenges of this world. We can come alongside them with a smile, text, visit, or gift. Sometimes just our presence and support are a tangible reminder of God’s love and faithfulness that fans hope.
            Hope indeed is strengthened in community through Communion. At the ultimate practical table of hope, we partake in Communion. We celebrate the first coming of Jesus as God with us remembering His life, sacrifice, death and resurrection out of love for us. We anticipate Jesus Christ’s return in His Second Advent. Through this meal, we find hope that is not fleeting but eternal. It is a meal that binds us together with believers around the world and throughout history who recognize Jesus as our living hope. And through Jesus, we have hope in this dark world.

This Advent Season, let us carry the living hope of Christ that darkness will never overcome, as we reflect His love to others.
            We see our world shrouded in darkness and how despair, injustice, and brokenness weigh heavily on us. But today, we’ve also been reminded that the story doesn’t end there. Advent calls us to see the light that pierces through the shadows and offers us hope. Hope that floats lifts us above despair, like the sky lanterns in Asian traditions. Hope that guides illuminates our path, like the Bethlehem star of the parol that guided the wise men to where God wanted them to be. Hope that is strengthened in community reminds us that we are not alone, as seen in the Filipino tradition of the Noche Buena and the fellowship of the early church in Acts.
            Let us carry this hope with us, not just for ourselves, but for a world that so desperately needs it. May your life reflect the hope and love of Christ. May it lift, guide, and strengthen others as you walk in the light of the divine promises.
 
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Quick Summary
-For further explanation of any statement in the Quick Summary, review that section and consider the questions for that section.
The Advent Season reminds us of the light of hope brought by Jesus Christ to our planet shrouded in darkness that is marked by despair, brokenness, and uncertainty.
-What is the meaning of Advent?
-As we enter this Advent Season, how can you feel a connected living hope with all of humanity across language and cultural barriers?
-What similarities do you see between the imagery of “dark planets” in the novel by Christian author Madeline L’Engle and our reality on planet earth?      
Our planet’s darkness with pain and brokenness is all around us.
-What darkness with pain and brokenness do you see around us on earth? Why has suffering and fear of violence  included your communities and neighborhoods, not just faraway places?
The darkness is also inside of us.
-Why might you feel darkness inside of you? What factors contribute to your feelings of darkness within you?
However, our world is not completely dark; Christian hope is alive based on what Jesus said and did.
-When did you have  a time when a small light, literal or figurative, gave you comfort in a dark moment?
-What is one thing that brings you hope during the holiday season?
Through the lens of Isaiah 9:2, John 1:4-5, and Hebrews 10:23, there is transformative power. Unlike fleeting worldly hope, Christian hope is anchored in the unchanging character of God and God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.
- Read Isaiah 9:2. How do you think the promise of light would have felt to people walking in deep darkness? How does this promise apply to us today?
-Read John 1:4-5. How does Jesus, as the light of the world, bring hope in situations where you feel surrounded by darkness?
-Reflect on Hebrews 10:23. What does it mean to "hold unswervingly to the hope we profess"? How have you experienced God's faithfulness in your life?
This message unfolds three key truths about hope:
First, hope floats, guiding us above despair.
-Spend time sharing any areas where you feel weighed down by darkness and need God’s hope to rise. Pray for one another, asking God to lift, guide, and strengthen your hope during this Advent Season.
-What challenges have you had in waiting for God’s plan that is not yet fully realized?
It lights the flame of hope in your heart with God’s Word. 
-What is the importance of God’s Word in lighting the flame of hope in your heart to guide you?
It releases to God whatever is weighing you down.
-When you are weighed down with the heaviness of life, what aspects of your relationship with God will set your hope free?
Second, biblical Christian hope guides by illuminating our path with the promises of God.
-Why is the “parol” so significant for Filipinos all over the world?
--How is the “parol” similar to the Star of Bethlehem that led the wise men to their Savior, Jesus Christ?
-The sermon referenced George Iles’ quote: "Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark." What does this mean to you? How have you seen this type of hope in action?
Third, hope is strengthened in community, as we gather together to encourage and uplift one another through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- We learned that hope is strengthened in community. How have you experienced your hope being renewed or strengthened through others? In what practical ways can you strengthen hope in your community this week?
-What is the importance of Communion celebrating Advent in the living hope of Jesus in this dark world? Why?
This Advent Season, let us carry the living hope of Christ that darkness will never overcome, as we reflect His love to others. 
-In what ways can you carry the living hope of Christ to the world that desperately needs that hope?