Hope Part 1 (Advent 2025)

1 Peter 1:3–9 ESV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

In 1 Peter 1:3-9, we see that God has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This living hope is essential, especially for those facing trials and suffering. The early Christians Peter wrote to were enduring persecution, and they needed this hope to navigate their grief and challenges. Why do we need living hope? Life is filled with suffering, and without hope, we can become brutal, indifferent, or simply give up. Viktor Frankl, a survivor of the Holocaust, observed that those who maintained hope were able to endure unimaginable suffering. He emphasized that true hope must be rooted in something beyond earthly circumstances, which aligns with Peter’s message. How does this living hope operate in our lives? Peter presents a paradox: we can greatly rejoice while experiencing sorrow. This is because our joy is not based on our circumstances but on our relationship with Christ. Suffering can refine our faith, making it more genuine and valuable than gold. The relationship between joy and sorrow is transformed; sorrow can deepen our joy, and joy can enable us to endure sorrow. How do we obtain this living hope? It is through faith in Jesus Christ, who offers us an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven. This hope is not based on our deeds but on the grace of God through Christ’s resurrection. Finally, how do we activate this hope? We must focus on loving Christ, who endured suffering for our sake. By recognizing that we are His living hope, we can experience joy that transcends our circumstances. This living hope is available to all believers, empowering us to live fully and love deeply, even amidst trials.

Matthew 12:18–21 ESV

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

(A KING WHO RESTORES)