That statement may have you scratching your head but I will say this, without hope there is little for which to carry on. I have talked with many folks in counselling sessions, in those conversations where one just needs to be heard and in the church setting as a pastor where the issues of the day are just building and the only outcome they can see is destruction or nothingness.
“Why should I even care?”
“What is the use?”
“It just doesn’t matter anymore.”
A few months ago, I took a refresher course in Suicide Intervention and those statements were just a few indicators that hope had been lost and the cry for help was being sent out. Some cries are from those who are in the midst of the chaos while others are pleading for understanding because they can’t make sense of the turmoil around them and are, themselves, being sucked into the confusion. So much death and destruction in this world. Where is the hope? Let me throw this out to the wind; could it be we have legislated and denied the communication of hope, joy, peace and love right out of our lives? Those who make the laws of the lands have mandated religious silence because it is non-inclusive and yet Jesus states in Matthew 11:28-30:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” NLT
Jesus is the hope and the love of the world, inclusive for all who want and need hope. He invites us into a relationship with Him and asks only that we give over our sins and declare Him as Saviour. It was through His death certificate that we were given a new birth certificate. That is the hope we all need to hold onto and to declare. Jesus is the bright morning star that is our guide in the darkness. So long as there is light, darkness cannot fully reign. Remember this; “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt 28:20 b
Where does my hope lie? It does not rest with our governments because they sway in the wind like reeds, bending to the will of the breeze. There will always be strife because there will always be differing views and all of society will be swayed by how they understand the situation but know this, Jesus is the Rock and the Anchor. He is never changing and on Him we can place our hope because He will prevail. He is “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.” Isa 9:6b-7a
If we see someone dying of thirst and give them a glass of water, they have hope. If we see someone drowning in the depths of despair and pour into them with love and compassion, they will see hope. If we see someone dying in the grips of hopelessness and we show them Jesus, the Light will shine forth.
For God so loves the world He gave His one and only Son so that all, every single person, who believe in Him will not perish but instead have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT (emphasis added)
This Sunday, Pastor Todd will bring the final messages of Advent. Our first service is at 10:30AM both online and in person, a second service will be held in the Mountain View Senior’s Home, in person only, at 1:00 PM and the third service will be the Christmas Eve service at 6:00 PM online and in person. Following the evening service, we will gather around the campfire behind the church for roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”
