Mark Sorensen I love this word from Max Lucado in regards to the beauty of hope.
“Hope is not what you’d expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming ending… Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction.” (From God Came Near, by Max Lucado)
My goodness, I love that quote so much. What a beautiful definition of hope.
Truly, when we look at Simeon’s story in Luke 2, we see the reaction of a man who had waited his entire life to see God’s promise of a savior come to fruition. Can you imagine what that moment must have been like when, across the temple floor, here come Mary and Joseph, tired and weary, bringing baby Jesus into the temple to fulfill the custom of the law. Suddenly, without warning, here comes an elderly man with a skip in his step and a look of wonder on his face. He reaches out, taking this child into his arms and holding the Savior as if he is holding the most precious cargo his hands have ever had the opportunity to hold. And what does he do next? He sings. Holding the Christ child, Simeon responds, “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32)
Here’s the good news. Are you ready? We can approach this season of Advent the same way. Remember, Advent is a season of anticipation and wonder. Let’s not settle for “ordinary” when God has placed the extraordinary truth that, Emmanuel, “God with us” is in our midst.
Just as He was then, Christ is still salvation, still a light of revelation to all peoples, and the glory made flesh in our world.
Let’s hold on to hope. It never fails.
