Unwrapping Advent: Through Voices of Wisdom Dec 7

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Day 7
3 May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed!
On account of his vast mercy, he has given us new birth.
You have been born anew into a living hope through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
4 You have a pure and enduring inheritance that cannot perish—
an inheritance that is presently kept safe in heaven for you.
5 Through his faithfulness, you are guarded by God’s power so that you can receive the salvation he is ready to reveal in the last time.

6 You now rejoice in this hope, even if it’s necessary for you
to be distressed for a short time by various trials.
7 This is necessary so that your faith may be found genuine.
(Your faith is more valuable than gold, which will be destroyed
even though it is itself tested by fire.)
Your genuine faith will result in praise, glory, and honor
for you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8Although you’ve never seen him, you love him.
Even though you don’t see him now, you trust him
and so rejoice with a glorious joy that is too much for words.
9 You are receiving the goal of your faith: your salvation.
​1 Peter 1:3-9, CEB 

Our Living Hope

One unique aspect of my job is that I change roles every eighteen months — like musical chairs, but with more spreadsheets and less music. In theory, it sounds exciting: variety, new learning opportunities, and meeting interesting people. But reality can be different. Even the smoothest transitions involved fumbling through complex financial models, while my most challenging ones meant sleepless nights, rushing to create financial plans, and trying to maintain energy for my family on weekends.

These moments made me wonder about Peter’s words on being “distressed for a short time by various trials.” Our faith is tested, especially when control feels out of reach — unexpected diagnoses, sudden job changes, or struggling loved ones. Peter says these trials test our faith, refining it like gold in fire. The challenge — life’s challenge — is to hold onto this Living Hope during our low points.

This season, let us remember that many of our trials are temporary and have the ability to strengthen our faith, much like the anticipation for Jesus’ birth brings joy and hope. May we embrace trials, knowing they refine us, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to God, finding true joy if we let them. As we light Advent candles and prepare for Christmas, let us hold onto the living hope Christ brings, rejoicing in our salvation through Him.

Reflection: How have you realized you’re not in control? How did these moments test and refine your faith?

As you anticipate Christ’s birth, what trials are you facing? How can you hold onto Living Hope through these challenges?

Prayer: God, thank You for the Living Hope through Jesus Christ. Help me embrace trials, knowing they refine my faith and draw me closer to You. May my faith bring praise, glory, and honor to You. As I prepare for Christmas, fill my heart with the joy and hope from knowing Jesus. In His name, I pray. Amen.

Eric Smith
The Journey Small Group
Lay Leadership Development Team
Choir