Friday, December 7, 2012

Bethlehem: The Birthplace of Faith

Advent{ures}: Let's Go to Bethlehem
 
 
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)
 
 
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV)
 
 
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
(Luke 2:10-12 ESV)
 
 
 
Hope. Substance. That which undergirds. Desire, expectation, wanting something to happen.
 
Faith is the reality of hope. Faith offers tangible reality. Hope and faint not. Trust completely. Love with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

Hope does not disappoint. Faith comes wrapped in the hope of things to arrive. Hope generates a longing for someone to show up who is able to help and save us. Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

Enter our hearts, our homes. Transform us with things hoped for, with real love and experience. Show us. Reveal your presence. In a burning bush. In waters parted. In blood poured out. In a child swaddled and lying in a manger.
 
With an infant's smile pierce our hearts and let us embrace hope once again.

3 comments:

  1. I love your idea of embracing hope. We embrace what is real--we can get our arms around it. Christmas hope, CHristian hope is not some airy-fairy frothy illusion. It's real. It's tangible. We hope for what truly will come (and for Who's already come--our Lord Jesus Christ).
    Thanks for giving us HOPE, Kel!
    Lynni

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynni- Yes the tangible presence of God in Jesus! What a wondrous day that will be when we will see Him face to face.

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  2. Beautiful post! Thanks so much for your kind comment on my post, "Fullness".

    ReplyDelete

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