Hope for the Waiting: Discovering God’s Promises this Advent First Sunday of Advent

Bible Passages: Jeremiah 33:14–16, Psalm 25:1–10, 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13, Luke 21:25–36

Advent is a season of waiting that signifies hope in God’s promises, reflecting on past deliverance while anticipating future fulfillment.

My prayer for you this season is to encourage you as seekers to trust in God’s unwavering promises during our seasons of waiting and uncertainty, fostering a sense of hope that transcends immediate circumstances.

Today’s message teaches that hope is rooted in trusting God’s faithfulness, relying on His promises, and looking forward to His ultimate deliverance.

Throughout scripture, hope is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. His coming fulfills the promises made to Israel and extends beyond to all who believe, providing a foundation for hope in God’s redemptive plan.

In the waiting of this Advent season, we find profound hope in God’s promises as we journey towards the fulfillment found in Christ.

1. Promise of a Branch

Jeremiah 33:14–16 NIV

“ ‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. “ ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’

Jeremiah's prophecy of a righteous Branch reflects God's promise to Israel, which find fulfillment in Christ. It emphasizes the assurance that God’s promises are trustworthy and enduring. Hold onto the hope that, just as God's promises were fulfilled in Christ's first coming, they will be fulfilled in His return, and can strengthen our faith in God’s present and future faithfulness.

Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty about the future—perhaps due to job loss or family issues—take some time to meditate on a specific scripture that highlights God's promises, such as Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Write that verse on a sticky note and place it somewhere you will see it every day. As you leave home or sit at your desk, let that promise remind you that God has a plan for you. Use it as a prayer prompt, expressing your worries and handing them over to God, believing that He is working for your good.

2. Prayerful Patience

Psalm 25:1–5 NIV

In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

David's reliance on God’s guidance reveals a posture of hopeful waiting. Cultivate trust and patience during uncertain times, remember that seeking God's truth and faithfulness sustains hope. This encouragement to lean on God’s instruction and guidance can inspire a deepened faith in His promises and build anticipation for our fulfillment in Christ.

I once knew a gardener who spent years trying to grow a rare flower. Year after year, he faced disappointment, but his hope never waned. He watered, nurtured, and waited patiently. Finally, one spring, a vibrant bloom emerged—a testament to his unwavering faith. This reminds us that during uncertain times, patience and trust turn our struggles into beautiful outcomes. Just as that flower brought joy after much waiting, our perseverance will ultimately yield a harvest of hope and strength.

3. Past Promises Fulfilled

Psalm 25:6–10 NIV

Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

David’s plea for God’s mercy and covenant love challenges us to reflect on God’s attributes—mercy, faithfulness, and love—as sources of hope. God’s past actions are assurances of His future promises, reinforcing our confidence in the redemption and deliverance found ultimately in Christ.

Think of love like the sun on a chilly day—it doesn’t just warm you; it reveals everything. When we experience love, we are reminded that God’s mercy is like the gentle warmth that chases away our doubts. Just as sunshine lights up the darkest corners, so does God’s love illuminate His attributes in our lives, showing us hope in moments of uncertainty.

4. Hopeful Heart Preparation

1 Thessalonians 3:9–13 NIV

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Paul’s joy in this passage is fueled by hope in the Lord's coming. Love and holiness prepare us for Christ’s return, strengthening our hope. Building community and fostering love among each other mirrors waiting together in hope for Christ’s fulfilled promise.

How often have you seen neighbors who had little to spare come together to share what they had. One family might provide home-baked bread, while another would bring vegetables from their garden. They formed a bond that not only survived harsh times but also fostered a spirit of love and support that lasted long after the hard times faded. This illustrates that true community is built not on abundance but on shared sacrifice and love.

5. Prepare with Anticipation

Luke 21:25–36 NIV

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Jesus' discourse on the end times in light of advent hope. Be alert and watchful, the signs of Christ’s return invite a hopeful anticipation rather than fear. Vigilant living in faith and hope underlines the readiness required in anticipation of Christ’s fulfillment of God's promises.

At home, it’s easy to let daily distractions pull you away from living out your faith. If you find yourself struggling to maintain your hope and vigilance in God's promises, start a family devotion night. Designate one evening a week where you gather with your family to read Scriptures, share personal testimonies, and pray collectively. This habit not only strengthens your family bond but also keeps everyone focused on God’s promises, fostering an atmosphere of hope and expectation.

In the workplace, pressures can often lead you to compromise your values and diminish your hope. If you feel overwhelmed, consider creating a brief morning ritual before you start your day. Take a few minutes to pray specifically for your work relationships, asking God to help you stay vigilant in living out your faith amidst challenges. This simple practice can renew your hope and remind you of the promises of God, enabling you to carry that light into your workplace.

Within your community, you may observe others struggling with their faith or hope in God’s promises. Take the initiative to invite a few members to form a small accountability group that meets biweekly. Make it a point to study the Scriptures together, focusing on God’s faithfulness and promises. Encourage one another through shared struggles, prayers, and testimonies. This not only provides a support network but also rekindles hope in the community as you all remain vigilant in your spiritual journeys.

In the waiting of this Advent season, we find profound hope in God’s promises as we journey towards the fulfillment found in Christ.

How does today’s message relate the hope of Christ’s first coming to our current waiting?

What significance does the 'Branch' in Jeremiah 33:14-16 hold for you?

In what ways does Psalm 25 emphasize the relationship between trust in God and hope?

How can individuals practically meditate on scriptural promises during seasons of waiting?

What are some ways to cultivate a posture of prayerful patience?

How can sharing resources and support within a community exemplify the principles of hope?

What steps can you take this week to ensure a daily reminder of God’s promises in your life?