Topic: Hope: Waiting on God’s promises — Immanuel by Wycliffe Bible Translators
The Christmas carol “O Holy Night” captures the heart of Advent: “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” But what if hope feels distant? What if waiting has worn you down?
Advent is a season of anticipation — a time to prepare our hearts and celebrate the coming of Christ. It reminds us that hope isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a confident expectation rooted in God’s faithfulness. In the Bible, the Hebrew qavah and yachal and the Greek elpis are words for “hope” that convey a sense of active, dynamic trust in God’s promises.
Biblical hope is not passive; it’s active trust in God’s faithfulness during our waiting. The people of Israel understood waiting. For centuries, they longed for the Messiah. The Old Testament foretold Christ’s coming, but between the prophet Malachi and the angel’s announcement to Mary, 400 years of silence challenged their faith. Yet even in the waiting, God was working. Waiting is never wasted when it’s rooted in trust. Advent reminds us that even in uncertainty, God is near. His faithfulness in the past gives us confidence for the future.
Waiting is hard. Whether it’s waiting for direction, healing or an answer to prayer, the unknown can feel overwhelming. But Advent reminds us that waiting with hope is never wasted because God always fulfills His promises.
Mary’s story is a powerful reminder of this truth. She was young, engaged and had a future planned when an angel appeared, telling her she would give birth to the Son of God. Confused and likely overwhelmed, she asked, “How can this happen?” Yet despite the uncertainty, Mary responded in faith and said, “... I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true …” (Luke 1:38 NLT).
Instead of resisting God’s plan, Mary embraced it. Instead of fear, she chose faith. She responded with worship: “... Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:46-48, NLT). She was one of many people waiting for God to fulfill His promises, and when He did, she couldn’t help but celebrate. The promise of Immanuel, God with us, was being fulfilled.
Jesus understands our struggles, our waiting and our longings firsthand. The name Immanuel encapsulates how Jesus is not distant. He is with us regardless of the language we use or place we come from. Knowing God and being able to experience His Word in your language makes this truth so much more real.
See You Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem