PHOTO: Click on the photo above ONLY after reading below for an incredible video of "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham.
Taking Advent personally, I light the first candle of hope by remembering hopelessness contrasted with the surety I have now for Christ’s complete coming into my heart.
This spins me back to my college days. I found myself drenched in the pouring rain riding a bike to a health clinic because I was concerned about STD’s. Thankfully, nothing ever came of it except to recognize that I was alone and literally soaked in shame.
Truly, I was lost. Being lost is bad enough. Being young and lost is twice the pain.
I had no hope. In fact, I was so ignorant, I
_______ Go to our store: "Portals To Heaven" At $9.95, the book version of portals makes for an economical Christmas gift. _______
couldn’t recognize that I was in rebellion.
In years and in spiritual growth, I am now a long way from college. But I still feel I am a long way from the complete coming of Jesus in my life.
But now, I am not without hope. I have seen where He has brought me and that has built a mountain of hope upon which I can stand - whether in the rain or otherwise.
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: Advent should be a time of introspection and not generalities because portals open up when the striking a match overtakes any darkness that is even blocking our path to the manger.
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you…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.” Isaiah 43:1,2 NASB, Romans 15:13 NIV