The season of Advent is beginning, dear ones. In this season of confession, repentance, and preparation, we have an opportunity to open ourselves once again to the inbreaking of God’s love anew. How will we spend this Advent?

On the first Sunday of Advent, we focus on hope. In these days of global pandemics, where are you finding hope? How are you living and sharing hope?

When I sat down to reflect on hope, I searched a book for a quote on hope and the shadow of hope because this fall the concept of the shadow of hope had caught me in my tracks. In her book I’m Still Here, Austin Channing Brown shares these words about hope, “This is the shadow of hope. Knowing that we may never see the realization of our dreams, and yet still showing up” (p. 180). Austin Channing Brown reminds me in powerful ways that we are called to keep stepping out in the faith of Jesus. We are to keep unlearning and learning. We are to keep confessing and receiving grace. We are to keep loving. We are to keep our lives fixed on God’s call and vision that all God’s creatures live with equity and deep peace and justice.

May we spend time with God in order to receive the strength and mercy to follow God’s Spirit and respond to God’s call. If your hope is waning, please feel free to reach out. God designs us for community. We need one another. We are not alone. You are loved. You are cared for. You have purpose. We have a Creator who offers us hope while we wait in the shadow of hope. May we live with compassion and find courage in the care of our Maker this Advent.

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from God.
God alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 62:5-6