“For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” —Romans 8:24-25
We’ve had a tough year. The media has been full of stories about the raging Ebola epidemic, gridlock and partisanship in Congress, racial injustice in countless communities across our country, immigrant children stranded at the U.S./Mexico border, unrest in the Gaza Strip, and so much more. The Sojourners staff experienced our own personal heartbreak this year with the passing of Elizabeth “Zab” Palmberg, a beloved member of our editorial staff.
With all of this pain and heartache in the world, I often find myself asking, “Where is the hope?”
I realize I am not alone in asking this question. It’s one that many people seem to be asking themselves this year, in light of all that has happened and that continues to happen.
In the midst of my search for hope, I find comfort in these words from Romans, quoted above. As a Christian, I hope in the resurrection and for the full redemption of our broken world. This vision of a redeemed world keeps me going in the midst of my questioning, my doubt, my impatience and frustration with the current brokenness of the world. I hope for this unseen reality and eagerly await its arrival.
The season of Advent, which began yesterday, is a rich time. It’s a period in which we prepare ourselves for the arrival of Christ, both in Bethlehem and at the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God. We wait expectantly for this currently unseen, but promised reality. We wait with hope.
Throughout the season of Advent, Sojourners will be offering a series of Advent reflections about hope on our Gratitude blog. These reflections are offered by members of the Sojourners staff, donors, Sojourners magazine and blog readers, activists, and many more members of our community. We hope that these reflections on hope will sustain you throughout your journey to Bethlehem this Advent as you prepare to welcome the coming Messiah.
Katie Chatelaine-Samsen is Director of Individual Giving for Sojourners.
Image: Candles, Yeko Photo Studio / Shutterstock.com
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