Last week our online small group began the study Hope Has Come by The Daily Grace Co. It is beautiful in both word and photos, but more importantly, rich in thought. You can follow along for the next few weeks as I share excerpts from our group.

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Our readings began with Genesis 1-3 and Colossians 2:14-15.

We enter the Advent season with darkness as we wait. No matter the darkness which may be filling our world currently, we always have hope.

The study takes us back to the beginning – creation. Rules have been with us from the beginning as well. God clearly explained the boundaries to Adam and Eve. As long as the rules were followed, we had a “shame-free, pain-free, sin-free world” (from Hope Has Come, page 19).

But we haven’t enjoyed, obeyed, or followed the rules from the very beginning.The enemy sought to create havoc and chaos and separation from God.

And so the darkness of Advent, the waiting, brings a reminder:

“There is still hope because Jesus has already come once, and He will one day come again. Hope has the final word.”

(from Hope Has Come, page 20)

The study asks: What does God’s response to the first sin tell you about His character?

I hope you will come and discuss. Let’s make this season a most meaningful one for us all and discover all God has for us.

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I am not sure exactly why, but reading the genealogy in Matthew 1 always touches me.

It makes me realize how every one, each name, is seen and matters to God. And that includes each one of us!

Let’s talk about hope and more so, hopelessness. Hopelessness will have us believing:

• there is no relief in sight
• nothing will ever change
• we are all alone
• nothing better is in store for our lives

But Jesus is our HOPE:

“He promised His people would not be alone and would not be forgotten, even in the bleakest days.”

(from Hope Has Come, page 27)

Let’s soak up the reminder right from the start of Advent:

Jesus = Immanuel = God With Us.

Now and forever. Still today. Our hope.

Jesus’ life was unusual, extraordinary, and supernatural. His life brought hope into our world and that hope … it will never disappoint.

“And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5, NASB)

The study asks: What is significant about the virgin birth of Jesus?

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We closed our week of HOPE with reading  Titus 2:11-13 and Revelation 21.

Let the words of the powerful Titus portion settle on your soul:

“Now the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” (Titus 2:11, NASB)

Let that sink in – when Christ came and God’s grace appeared, He brought salvation to all men – to you and to me!

Jesus – the hope of the world – came in the smallest of ways, as a baby.

One day, He will return – the hope of the world – in the grandest of ways, as our King.

And so we wait in hope and with hope, for He always has, and always will keep every one of His promises to His people.

“We may feel as if all hope is lost and evil has control of God’s good earth. But then, at the right time and not a moment sooner, Jesus will appear in the sky and will come to earth to establish the rule of peace and righteousness throughout the world.”

(from Hope Has Come, page 36)

The study asks: Consider how we have traced the theme of hope throughout Scripture from creation to Revelation this week. What have you learned about God’s redemptive plan by studying in this way?

“We wait with expectant hope for that day is coming soon.”

(from Hope Has Come, page 34)

This old hymn came to mind. May it fall fresh and fill you with HOPE.

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We wait in hope,
because Jesus has come,
and He will come!

 

Photo 1: by Jessica Delp on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash
Photo 3: by Diliara Garifullina on Unsplash

Today I may be joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .