A Season for Hope: The First Sunday in Advent

by | Nov 28, 2024 | Advent, Blog

Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

In the Gospel lesson from Luke, Jesus, like Jeremiah before him, brings a word of confrontation followed by a word of comfort.

Advent is a season when we do some serious introspection that will undoubtedly confront us with who we are and who we are not. It is through this self-examination that we open ourselves so we can hear the word of the Lord and get ourselves ready to celebrate the birth of Christ, who is the Word made flesh. His word brings confrontation, forgiveness, and renewal.

Right now, as we look at the present and toward the future, many of us do not feel the sense of hope that we need. We are now in a period of confrontation. It is only after we have heard and processed the reality of confrontation that we are broken open and are ready to hear and receive a word of comfort. That comfort is found in the words of Jesus when he says, “The Kingdom of God is near.” In other words, time is not static; it is dynamic because God is at work. This gives us hope.

Jesus also tells us that we must be cautious and mindful so that we do not weigh down our hearts with worry, but rather we are to move ahead in faith as the Kingdom of God is opened up for us, and we are given insights for action.

Hope is not something that we have because we grit our teeth and say, “I believe.”

Hope is not something that we create or manufacture.

Hope is a gift of the Spirit and we begin to see what we can do and are called to do.

As the Psalmist says, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, for you I wait all day long.”

Submitted by The Rev. Larry A. Deyss, HR

Advent–It’s What We Need

Advent–It’s What We Need

Malachi 3:1–4; Luke 3:1-6 I’ve led worship for almost 40 years and still feel like I am sitting in the pew sometimes, wondering what to make of the first couple of Sundays in Advent. Those Old Testament prophets with their dark messages of the future, the Gospel...

Turkey, Tension, and Thanks–Shifting Our Focus to Gratitude

Turkey, Tension, and Thanks–Shifting Our Focus to Gratitude

5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will...

Introducing Albany Presbytery Moderator: Rev. Dr. Katy Stenta

Introducing Albany Presbytery Moderator: Rev. Dr. Katy Stenta

We are thrilled to introduce Rev. Dr. Katy Stenta as our new Albany Presbytery Moderator! Rev. Stenta brings a wealth of experience, a passion for accessible ministry, and a deep commitment to the vibrancy of small and diverse churches. From growing up in a family of...

The Day My Father Was Shot

The Day My Father Was Shot

I grew up in New Jersey, where I lived with my mother, father, and older brother. Mom, an RN, was the peacemaker in our family, and Dad, a banker, set the standards for the behavior of their two children. In August of 1964, as I was soon to enter my sophomore year at...

Cut Energy Costs–Grant Support Available

Cut Energy Costs–Grant Support Available

Has your church been experiencing increasingly high energy bills? Are you concerned about the effects of climate change? There is one simple step that your church can take to help reduce both the energy you are using and the cost of energy for your church. The New...

About the author

Larry Deyss is Pastor Emeritus of the Delmar Presbyterian Church where he served for 30 years. He also served as a past moderator of Albany Presbytery. In retirement, he is involved in teaching and writing regarding the issues of Creation Care. He and his wife live in Delmar.
View More Posts By Rev. Larry Deyss, HR