Definition: A vision for better days that changes us in the present
Hope is about a
Hope is about a
Hope changes us in the
Hope brings
The cross has spoken I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own;
Beautiful Savior I’m Yours forever
Jesus Christ my living hope.
~ lyrics, Phil Wickham
Sermon Talks
- What caught your attention in this week’s message? Was there something you had never heard before or something you had a question about?
- What are your favorite Christmas traditions? How do they help you reflect on the significance of what Christmas means to you or your family?
- Hope is tricky. Too much hope and we can feel disappointed. Too little and we feel despair. Sometimes it helps us remain open to hope if we think of a time we’ve been surprised. What is one moment of beauty or joy that surprised you in the last year?
- Read Jeremiah 33:14-16. The people of Jerusalem lived in the aftermath of war and fire. Imagine listening to Jeremiah as you stand in the ashes of rubble of all you hold dear. How would you react to his words of hope and promise?
- We live in the already-but-not-yet. This means we have hope for a future of peace, safety, joy, and restoration, but may not experience it currently. Does this feel true in your own life? How so?
- Living between the already-but-not-yet means we need to make space to lament. Lament is a biblical practice that invites you to express your sorrow, pain, or confusion. It is the act of grieving with God. What is there to lament in your life, your community, or your world today?
- If you could pick one big hope for the world, what would it be? For your community? For the church? For your family?
- Self-Reflection:
- Is your hope centered in the person of Jesus or something else?
- As you have grown as a Christian, has your hope expanded or diminished?
- How has hope “ruined” your life?
- What are you willing to risk because of who Jesus is and what He has done?
Consider making this one of your prayers this week and this advent season:
Lord, in a hopeless world, I need the hope only You can bring. Give me the ability to trust in You and Your promises today. Allow me to see the moments in my life where You are answering Your promises and strengthen me to live a life of hope today. Amen.