Where Hope Is Born

You may see familiar faces on television this month. Presbyterians across the state are sponsoring a TV ad. Alongside of the Mormons, the Methodists and the Catholics, we have a message to share publicly. Ours is a message of hope.

The message begins, ―What do you think of when you think of hope?‖ Various people answer: ―When I think of hope, I think of family, friends, community.‖ ―Hope comes where people care.‖ ―Hope is about expecting the unexpected.‖ ―Hope is a passion for the possible.‖

The follow-up question is more direct: ―Where do you find hope?‖ The answer is, the Presbyterian church. Alongside of images of people at work in caring, sharing, joyful community together. The closing line is simply: ―The Presbyterian Church – Where Hope is Born.‖

Walter Brueggeman coined a phrase, calling people of faith, ―authentic hopers.‖ I love it! We have a message of authentic hope. Hope is born as we witness to the hope of the world in Jesus Christ.

The four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas are a symbol of how hope works: it takes time. God does not work automatically. In the whole of scripture, things do not change immediately. God is at work in the mean time. God lifts up people like John the Baptist – people with the message, ―Prepare the way of the Lord.

Part of the reason why hope is possible is that we get ourselves ready. It’s an important message for us.

Prepare the way. Does it mean to change our attitudes? Does it mean to live differently? Does it mean to open ourselves to new ways of thinking? Does it mean to open ourselves to new people? Does it mean to challenge ourselves in the values that guide our lives? Does it mean to open our eyes to what God is doing in the world?

John the Baptist questions people – so we should challenge ourselves. It loosens the lock binding our imagination. It helps us to see anew. Our identity and our call in a deadlocked world is this – it is up to us to be authentic hopers, and get ready for the hope God is bringing.

Prepare the way! Where will hope happen? The Bible says it can happen in the most outcast, forlorn, rejected stable in a tiny country on the far side of the earth. If God’s hope can be born there, then there is hope for all.

It’s a message to celebrate! It’s a message to share. Someone you know needs hope. Bring them to church this Advent and Christmas. They will hear: In Jesus, hope is born – for us all!

Merry Christmas!

-Andrew McDonald