Living Hope in a Waiting World
Advent is a season of anticipation—a time when we pause to remember the coming of Christ and look forward to His promised return. It’s more than a countdown to Christmas; it’s an invitation to prepare our hearts and renew our faith. The first theme is Hope—a word we often use, but do we truly understand what it means?
As I considered this theme, I asked some of my co-workers how they would define Hope. The consensus was that Hope is like a wish or dream—something you want or hope to accomplish. Sometimes, it may feel like a vague, wishy-washy sentiment lacking depth. Honestly, their response made me sad. This type of hope is based on uncertainty. When things don’t go as one hoped, it can be devastating and shattering, leaving a person feeling as though hope is hopeless and a waste of time.
From a literary perspective, one definition of hope is “someone on which hopes can be centered” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hope). But if we center our hope on people, we will be let down. No person is perfect, and as good as someone may seem, they will fail and disappoint others. Misplaced hope leads to despair, mistrust, and loss of faith. Those who don’t know Jesus often have misplaced hope, which is why they think of it as an unattainable dream or wish. But when our hope is centred on Jesus, our perspective and understanding of hope change.
In Jesus, we see a different kind of hope—one that is grounded in Him, not in circumstances. Paul says in Colossians 1:27, “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Christ is Hope! Because of Christ, our hope is confident. It’s assurance, not uncertainty. It trusts that what God has promised will come to pass. Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…” So even though we face trouble, suffering, and pressure, our hope is firmly grounded in the promise that God is making all things new. He is in control, and we can trust Him today for what we need.
As I studied this further, I decided to look at the original text (I think Pastor John is rubbing off on me! Ha, ha!). The Hebrew word for hope is tiqvah (תִּקְוָה). Literally, tiqvah can mean “cord” or “line” (something stretched), symbolizing tension and expectation. Figuratively, it conveys waiting with anticipation—a confident expectation based on trust in God. (Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (BDB) – Entry for tiqvah) Biblical hope carries the idea of active waiting with trust, not passive wishing. It’s rooted in relationship with God and His covenant promises. It looks forward to eternal life and redemption (Titus 1:2) yet shapes how we live today—encouraging perseverance and joy through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3–5).
So, as you reflect on hope this week, think of Peter’s words in 1 Peter 1:3–9: this living hope we have endures and assures us that we have an inheritance that will never fade. As we wait with hope for His return, we are receiving the end result of our faith—the salvation of our souls.
Conclusion: Living in Hope Today
Hope is not wishful thinking—it is confident expectation rooted in God’s promises. Advent reminds us that our hope is alive because Christ has come and will come again. This hope anchors us when life feels uncertain and gives us strength to persevere with joy. As you light the first candle of Advent, let it be a symbol of the hope that never fades—the hope found in Jesus Christ.
Written by:
Eleana Montes
