Advent 1 C - "Hope Beyond the Here and Now"

Bottom Line: God’s promises offer hope that reaches beyond our struggles and secures our future.

Introduction to the Advent Season (5 minutes)

Today marks the first Sunday of Advent, a season when we pause, reflect, and celebrate the promises of God.

Advent is a season of anticipation, both looking back to Christ’s first coming as a baby in Bethlehem and looking ahead to His return as the King who will make all things new.

It’s a season of waiting, longing, and hope.

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which means “arrival” or “coming.”

It’s a time when we prepare our hearts for Christ’s arrival and reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that He brings into the world.

These aren’t just seasonal buzzwords; they are the anchors of our faith.

This week, we begin with Hope. Hope is foundational.

It sustains us in the present and secures our future.

But biblical hope is not the same as wishful thinking.

It’s not about crossing our fingers and hoping things will turn out okay. Instead, it’s a confident expectation rooted in the faithfulness of God.

Hope says, “I trust that God will do what He said He will do.”

To understand the depth of biblical hope, we need to go back to Daniel’s time.

God’s people were living in exile, far from home, under the rule of Babylon.

They were a displaced and oppressed people, wondering if God had abandoned them.

They faced persecution, the loss of their identity, and constant pressure to conform to a culture that opposed their faith.

In the middle of this suffering, they must have asked, Where is God? Has He forgotten His promises?

But God had not forgotten. He gave Daniel a vision of what was to come—a promise of deliverance, resurrection, and righteousness.

This vision reminded them that their suffering was not the end of the story.

God’s plan was unfolding, and He would be faithful to His people.

We, too, live in a world full of uncertainty.

Whether it’s health challenges, financial instability, relational conflicts, or global unrest, we face trials that can shake our faith.

But Advent reminds us that our hope is not found in our circumstances. It is found in the unchanging character and promises of God.

Let me ask you: Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges, unsure of how to move forward? What kept you going?

Was it a promise, an encouraging word, or simply the presence of someone who cared?

That’s what hope does.

It sustains us, gives us perspective, and reminds us that God is at work, even when we can’t see it.

Today, as we reflect on Daniel chapter 12, we’ll see how God’s promises of deliverance, resurrection, and righteousness offer us a hope that is both sustaining and eternal.

Engage: The Underground Railroad (5 minutes)

To understand what hope looks like in the middle of struggle, let me take you back to the story of the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Tubman, known as “Moses” to the people she led to safety, escaped slavery and found freedom in the North.

But her story didn’t end there.

She made it her mission to return to the South, risking her life over and over again to guide others to freedom.

She once said, “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.”

For those escaping slavery, the journey was treacherous.

They traveled by night, guided by the North Star, moving from one safe house to another.

Safe houses—hidden places of refuge—were scattered along the way, offering rest, food, and protection.

But even with these havens, the journey was filled with danger.

Slave catchers were always on their trail, exhaustion was a constant companion, and betrayal was a real possibility.

What kept them moving forward? Hope.

The hope of freedom, the hope of a life where they could live without fear, the hope of a better future for their children.

Life often feels like this kind of journey. Each day can feel like a step into the unknown, filled with challenges and uncertainties.

We may not know what lies ahead, but just as those seeking freedom trusted their guides, we are called to trust God.

God provides us with “safe houses” along the way—moments of rest and reassurance.

These could be times of prayer, encouragement from Scripture, the comfort of worship, or the presence of a supportive community.

They remind us that we are not alone on the journey.

The Underground Railroad teaches us an important lesson: The journey may be hard, but hope sustains us.

And the hope we have in God is far greater than any earthly hope.

It’s a hope that anchors us, guiding us through life’s darkest nights.

Tension: The Big Question (5 minutes)

So here’s the big question: How do we navigate life’s treacherous journey when every step feels uncertain and overwhelming?

We’ve all experienced moments when life feels like a dark, winding road.

Maybe it’s a health diagnosis that changes everything.

Maybe it’s a financial crisis that leaves you wondering how you’ll make ends meet.

Maybe it’s the heartbreak of a fractured relationship. In those moments, it’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next.

For those on the Underground Railroad, the path ahead was often unclear.

They didn’t have a detailed map or a clear understanding of the journey.

Instead, they relied on their guide and trusted that the next safe house would be there.

Their hope wasn’t in knowing the entire plan but in trusting the one who was leading them.

The same is true for us.

We may not understand every twist and turn of God’s plan, but we can trust Him to guide us step by step.

His Word assures us that He is with us, that His promises are true, and that His purposes will prevail.

But what about those who don’t know God?

Without trust in His promises, life can feel overwhelming—like a journey without a destination or a guide.

The hope we have in Christ offers something far greater than temporary relief.

It offers eternal security, a promise that no circumstance can take away.

If you’re here today and you haven’t placed your trust in God, I want to invite you to consider this:

What would it mean to have a hope that isn’t based on your circumstances but on the unchanging character of God?

A hope that is secure, eternal, and rooted in His faithfulness?

Truth: God’s Promises in Daniel 12 (15 minutes)

Let’s turn now to Daniel chapter 12, where we find three profound promises that give us hope:

deliverance, resurrection, and righteousness.

These promises sustained God’s people in Daniel’s time, and they continue to sustain us today.

Setting the Context for Daniel chapter 12

Daniel’s vision was given to a people in crisis. The Jewish people were living in exile, far from their homeland, under the oppressive rule of Babylon.

They faced constant pressure to abandon their faith and conform to Babylonian culture.

In the chapters leading up to Daniel 12, God had revealed that His people would face even more tribulation.

Faithful believers would suffer and die (Daniel 11 verses 33-35), but their suffering was not meaningless.

God was using this time to refine, purify, and prepare His people.

This context reminds us that trials often have a purpose.

While the world sees suffering as random or meaningless, God uses it to shape and refine us.

As gold is purified in fire, so are God’s people refined through trials.

And in Daniel 12, we see the ultimate hope that sustained these faithful believers:

God’s deliverance,

the promise of resurrection,

and the reward of righteousness.

Verse 1 – God’s Deliverance Amid Distress

Daniel 12:1 ESV

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

Daniel’s vision begins with a promise of deliverance.

Michael, the archangel who protects God’s people, is described as standing up during a time of unprecedented trouble.

This refers to a future period of tribulation, a time of great distress for the world.

Yet, even in the darkest of times, God assures His people that they will be delivered.

Notice the specific phrase: “everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.”

This “book” refers to the Lamb’s Book of Life, mentioned in Revelation 20:15.

It’s a heavenly record of all who belong to God, those who have placed their faith in Him and been redeemed by His grace.

• For Believers, this promise is a source of incredible assurance.

If your name is written in the Book of Life, your deliverance is certain.

No trial, no hardship, not even death itself, can separate you from God’s salvation.

• For Non-Believers though, this verse is a warning.

If your name is not in the Book of Life, the promise of deliverance does not apply.

God’s invitation is open to all, but it requires a response.

Illustration Connection:

Think back to the Underground Railroad.

Each safe house represented a moment of deliverance—a place where freedom seekers could rest and regain their strength.

But their journey wasn’t just about surviving each step; it was about reaching their ultimate destination: freedom.

In the same way, God’s deliverance sustains us through each trial, but it’s also leading us toward our ultimate deliverance in His eternal kingdom.

Application for Christians:

We need to trust that God’s deliverance doesn’t always mean the removal of trouble but His presence with you in the midst of it.

He is guiding you, protecting you, and leading you toward the ultimate destination of eternal life.

Verse 2 – Resurrection and Eternal Life

Daniel 12:2 ESV

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

This verse contains one of the clearest Old Testament references to the resurrection of the dead.

It reminds us that death is not the end of the story. For those who belong to God, there is the promise of everlasting life.

But for those who reject Him, there is the sobering reality of judgment.

The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian hope.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”

The resurrection of Jesus guarantees our resurrection. Because He conquered death, we have the assurance of eternal life.

Illustration Connection:

The hope of resurrection is like the hope that sustained those on the Underground Railroad.

They endured unimaginable hardships because they believed in a future beyond their present pain.

In the same way, we endure life’s challenges because we know that death is not the end—eternal life awaits us.

Supporting Scripture – Psalm 16:11 (ESV):

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

This verse captures the joy of resurrection life. Eternal life is not just about living forever—it’s about living in God’s presence, experiencing the fullness of His joy and peace.

Application for Christians:

Anchor your hope in the resurrection.

Life’s challenges are temporary; God’s victory is eternal.

Challenge to Non-Believers:

Where will you stand on the day of resurrection?

This verse presents a choice: eternal life or eternal separation from God.

Verse 3 – Living as Beacons of Righteousness

Daniel 12:3 ESV

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Finally, Daniel’s vision points to the reward of righteousness.

Those who live faithfully and lead others to God are described as shining like stars.

This imagery reminds us that our lives are meant to reflect God’s light, pointing others to Him.

Illustration Connection:

Think of Harriet Tubman and the other conductors on the Underground Railroad.

They were beacons of hope, guiding others to freedom. In the same way, we are called to guide others to the hope and freedom found in Christ.

Supporting Scripture – Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV):

Hebrews 10:23–25 ESV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Just as the Underground Railroad relied on mutual encouragement, we are called to build each other up, sharing the hope we have in Christ.

Application for Christians:

Be a light in someone else’s journey.

Reflect God’s hope and righteousness in your words, actions, and relationships.

Challenge to Non-Believers:

Without Christ, your life doesn’t have a true light, goals, or any hope past the things of the world.

Advent is a season of waiting in Jesus, but we don’t have to wait for him to come we can ask him to come to us.

Application: Living Out Hope (2 minutes).

Closing and Advent Reflection (5 minutes)

As we come to the end of today’s message, let’s reflect on what it means to live with hope during this Advent season.

Advent is a time of anticipation, but it’s also a time of preparation.

It invites us to pause, to look backward at Christ’s first coming, and to look forward to His return.

Advent is not just about waiting; it’s about waiting with purpose.

The people of Israel waited for generations for the promised Messiah, often clinging to hope in the midst of trials and uncertainties.

In Daniel’s time, God’s people were living in exile, far from home, surrounded by a culture that sought to strip away their faith and identity.

Yet, God spoke into their situation with promises of deliverance, resurrection, and righteousness.

Those promises gave them the strength to endure, to remain faithful, and to look forward with hope.

We, too, live in a time of waiting.

The world we live in is not as it should be.

We see brokenness in our relationships, in our communities, and in ourselves.

We experience pain, loss, and disappointment.

But Advent reminds us that the story isn’t over.

Just as Christ came once to bring salvation, He will come again to bring restoration.

And while we wait, we live with the hope that His promises are true.

Inspiration / Reflection (2 Min)

What Does Hope Look Like in Advent?

Advent hope is active. It’s not passive optimism or wishful thinking.

It’s the kind of hope that shapes how we live and how we respond to the challenges around us. Here’s what it looks like:

1. Hope Looks Backward with Gratitude.

• During Advent, we look back to Christ’s first coming—the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior.

Jesus’ birth was not an accident or a last-minute plan. It was the culmination of centuries of promises, prophecies, and preparation.

• When we reflect on the faithfulness of God in the past, it strengthens our confidence in His promises for the future.

If God was faithful to fulfill His promises then, He will be faithful to fulfill them now.

2. Hope Looks Forward with Confidence.

• Advent also calls us to look forward to Christ’s return.

The promise of His second coming gives us the assurance that no matter how dark or uncertain life feels, God’s plan is still unfolding.

• This hope shapes our perspective.

It reminds us that the trials we face are temporary, that death does not have the final word, and that God’s kingdom will one day be fully established.

3. Hope Looks Around with Purpose.

• Advent hope is not just about looking backward or forward—it’s also about how we live in the present.

Daniel 12:3 reminds us that those who are wise will “shine like the brightness of the sky above.”

We are called to reflect God’s light and to share His hope with the world around us.

• Just as Harriet Tubman and the conductors of the Underground Railroad were lights in the darkness, guiding others to freedom, we are called to be lights that point others to the freedom and salvation found in Christ.

Action / Next Step(s) - 5 min

Living Out Hope in This Season

So, how do we live out hope during Advent? Let me give you three practical challenges for this week:

1. Pause Daily to Reflect on God’s Promises.

• Take time each day to read and meditate on Scripture.

Passages like Psalm 16:11 remind us of the joy and hope found in God’s presence

2. Encourage Someone Who Is Struggling.

• The greatest gift we can give is the hope of Christ. Is there someone in your life who is struggling with loss, anxiety, or uncertainty?

Be a “safe house” for them this week. Listen to their story, pray with them, and remind them of God’s promises.

3. Commit to Living as a Beacon of Hope.

• In a world that often feels chaotic and hopeless, your life can be a testimony to the faithfulness of God.

Think about how you can reflect His love and hope in your workplace, your family, and your community.

Advent: A Season of Waiting Well

Waiting isn’t easy. Whether it’s waiting for a breakthrough in a personal situation or waiting for God to bring restoration to a broken world, it can feel exhausting.

But Advent reminds us that waiting doesn’t have to be passive.

We can wait with hope, knowing that God is at work, even when we can’t see it.

The people of Israel waited for the Messiah, and their hope was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.

Now, we wait for His return, holding onto the same hope that sustained them.

As we light the candle of hope this week, let it remind us that God’s promises are sure, His faithfulness is unchanging, and His plans for us are good.

Closing Prayer

Let’s pray together:

“Lord, we thank You for the hope You have given us through Your promises.

In this Advent season, help us to live as people of hope, reflecting Your light and love to the world around us.

Strengthen our faith as we wait for the day when You will make all things new.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Benediction

Romans 15:13 ESV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.