Advent Call – Hope In Christ Jesus Our Sure Foundation
Advent Prayer Meditation: The Gift of Hope
As we enter the sacred season of Advent, we are called to reflect on the gift of hope. This first week of Advent reminds us that hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation in the promises of our faithful God. Let us meditate together, grounding ourselves in His Word and lifting our eyes above the trials of this world to the eternal light of Christ.
Scripture Reflection
The Lord speaks to us through the prophet Jeremiah:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
God knows our hearts, our struggles, and the uncertainty we face. In this season of waiting, we are reminded that God’s plans are always for our good, even when the world feels heavy with despair. Amidst all the confusion, this Scripture passage reminds us that God is never without a plan for each of us. All we need to do is to trust Him – no matter the circumstance.
St. Paul’s prayer for the church in Rome encourages us further:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Wow! Imagine what it is like to overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit! This hope is not passive. It is active, filling us with joy and peace, flowing outward as a testimony to others. It is a light in the darkness, rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens and renews us daily.
Isaiah reminds us of the promise for those who place their hope in the Lord (I am sure many of you know this by heart) :
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
When we feel weary from the burdens of life, Advent invites us to wait upon the Lord with expectant hearts, knowing He will renew our strength; knowing that His plans to prosper us will come to fruition if we bend our hearts and our will to His heart and His will.
Meditation
Heavenly Father,
As we light the first candle of Advent, symbolizing hope, we pause to acknowledge the challenges of our world. The news is filled with conflict, suffering, and uncertainty, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, in this sacred season, You call us to lift our eyes above the chaos and fix our gaze on Your Son, Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth, and the Light.
Lord, we place all our hope and trust in You. In moments of doubt, remind us of Your plans for a future filled with hope. When fear grips our hearts, fill us with the peace and joy that come from trusting in You. Help us to run this race of faith without growing weary, sustained by Your Spirit.
We remember that Advent is a season of waiting, of preparation, and of expectant joy. Just as Your people waited for the Messiah, we wait for His coming again. Teach us to wait well—not with anxiety, but with hope that is anchored in Your unchanging promises.
May we carry this hope into the world, shining Your light into the darkness. Let our hope be contagious, inspiring others to see that no matter how dire circumstances may seem, You are the God who makes all things new.
Closing Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the gift of hope that sustains us. In this Advent season, teach us to trust You more deeply, to rest in Your promises, and to shine as beacons of hope in a troubled world. As we journey toward Christmas, may our hearts be filled with the joy and peace of Christ, overflowing with hope by the power of Your Holy Spirit.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our hope and salvation.
Amen.
Hope in Christ, Our Sure Foundation
Verse 1
When the storm clouds rise, and the darkness falls,
When the weight of the world makes us feel so small,
There’s a voice that whispers through the raging seas,
“Take heart, my child, place your trust in Me.”
Pre-Chorus
The world may shake, the mountains may fall,
But Your love, O Lord, is stronger than it all.
Chorus
Hope in Christ, our sure foundation,
Rock of ages, our salvation.
In every trial, through every pain,
Your steadfast love will always remain.
We lift our eyes to where You reign,
Jesus, our hope through every chain.
Verse 2
In the valley low, when the path seems long,
And the heart is weary, and we’ve lost our song,
You remind us gently of the cross You bore,
Hope is alive, now and forevermore.
Pre-Chorus
The world may shake, the mountains may fall,
But Your love, O Lord, is stronger than it all.
Chorus
Hope in Christ, our sure foundation,
Rock of ages, our salvation.
In every trial, through every pain,
Your steadfast love will always remain.
We lift our eyes to where You reign,
Jesus, our hope through every chain.
Bridge
You are the light that breaks the night,
A guiding star, forever bright.
In every shadow, You’re our song,
Our hope and strength to carry on.
Chorus
Hope in Christ, our sure foundation,
Rock of ages, our salvation.
In every trial, through every pain,
Your steadfast love will always remain.
We lift our eyes to where You reign,
Jesus, our hope through every chain.
Outro
So we stand in faith, unshaken, secure,
In Christ alone, our hope is sure.
Through every storm, we lift Your name,
Jesus, our hope, forever the same.
