For the first time ever, I’m actually going to teach through the Advent calendar. Not having a traditional or liturgical background, I’ve had to do quite a bit of research on this, and it’s been pretty…. enlightening. (Bad attempt at a pun?)

Advent originally had nothing to do with Jesus or Christmas. It had to do with the Winter Solstace. As the time of daylight shrank in the winter, candles were lit to remind everyone that “light was coming.” That’s what advent literally meant: coming. There was going to be a day when it was darkest – Winter Solstace. But then it would get better, because every day afterwards would bring more light.

The four Sundays of Advent focus on four key words that help frame the birth of Jesus. The Bible Project has some fantastic videos on each of these four words. They are really worth checking out.

The Bible Project guys tell us that the word qavah in Hebrew means to wait expectantly. It’s the word for HOPE in the Old Testament, and it’s root comes from the word qav which means cord or rope. When a cord or rope is in tension, you have qavah. So HOPE then is to be in expectant tension.

In the Scriptures, HOPE is very different than optimism. Optimism is looking at a situation and seeing a positive outcome. The reality is, Israel lived some of the most horrific circumstances in history. This is when the Prophets spoke loudest – when they were in exile, being oppressed, being refugees. It was during these times when the prophets spoke of HOPE, and that HOPE was tied to the Lord.

This is THE significant truth to understand. HOPE is anchored on the Lord. Specifically, the Messiah. The Wonderful Counselor. Prince of Peace. Emmanuel. I will qavah on The One – Jesus.

Christmas is a promise of hope delivered. As the angels spoke to Mary, Joseph, shepherds and wise men, they spoke of HOPE coming. This baby IS the HOPE of the Lord.

We look back on what that HOPE delivered: That God kept his promise. That the waiting was not in vain. There is now HOPE for all mankind. And therefore, those of us who follow Jesus are HOPE-Bearers.

In fact, I’d challenge us all to see that as our number one role for the world. We bring real HOPE. A HOPE that no one or no thing can match.