This year after some consideration I have decided to cover advent differently than I have previously. I will lead with a definition, and then reflect on it using scripture. There may be no obvious conclusion, but rather just the space to reflect.
Hope is commonly defined as “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen” or “a feeling of trust“.
In Christianity Paul’s letter to the Romans is often referenced with regards to hope. “Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” 8:24-25
From a poet: “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”
– Percy Bysshe Shelley
From social justice and the movement of non-violence “The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.