The First Sunday of Advent: Reflection on Hope

The classic definition of hope is: 'a desire accompanied by expectation or belief in fulfillment.'

Diving deeper, I discovered through the work of Brené Brown in Atlas of the Heart that hope is a function of struggle.

“HOPE is the conviction, against all data, that GOD is tenacious and persistent in overcoming the deathliness of the world, that GOD intends Joy and Peace.” -Richard Rohr

The quote by Richard Rohr talks about Hope as the conviction that God will overcome the deathliness of the world and that God intends Joy and Peace (two other themes we'll look at this advent). It's in this 'deathliness' of the world where we develop hope. During times of adversity and discomfort, pain and struggle, hope is learned.

Reflect on Hope
Today, take some time to reflect on hope, and chat with God about what it’s like for you to consider hope here and now…

✦ What first comes up in your mind, body, and feelings as you consider the idea of ‘hope as a function of struggle’?
Does it feel annoying because it means struggle is necessary? Does it feel uncomfortable because we often don't enjoy sitting in discomfort? Notice and talk to God about it.

✦ What examples of injustice or deathliness come to mind for you?
Examples are the climate crises, human trafficking and slavery in all its forms, patriarchy, and racism, to name a few.

✦  Romans 15:35 in the Passion Translation says, "And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with HOPE!” The idea of ‘radiating with hope’ can feel out of place in a world with so much injustice or deathliness at every turn. How can you practice strengthening your 'hope' muscle?

✦ Take a few moments and express to God what hope looks like to you in this season of life.
What might God be inviting you into as you explore hope?