Hope has a name!
This Advent season I am reflecting on these words of Desmond Tutu:
“Hope is being able to see that there is light, despite all the darkness.”
Maybe like me, as you move towards Christmas this year, you are struck by all the hurt, pain, conflict and turmoil we see across the globe. There is much to grieve and lament over. Our world is dark and desperate. But, as the ancient prophet declared: “the people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
Yes – despite the brokenness all around us – we can sing “joy to the world” because the Lord has come. And he desires to come again this Advent season and break anew into our lives.
As I light Advent candles, I know I need to see the light of Jesus anew in my life, community and the world. I need to experience afresh the reality of what the advent candles represent – hope, peace, love and joy.
This Advent season where in your life do you need to embrace hope? Where do you need to experience the peace of Jesus? Where do you need to be reminded of the lavish love of a God who comes to us? Do you need to take hold of Christ’s gift of joy afresh?
As I ask these questions, and reflect on Tutu’s words, I am reminded that he brought this quote to life in his passionate commitment to reflect the loving, just and hope-filled ways of Jesus. He lived a bearer of hope and light. He served as a peacemaker. He modelled God’s compassionate love. He lived with deep joy amid injustice and brokenness, as he embraced his calling as a shalom-seeker.
Written by Scott Pilgrim – Executive Director BMA