Group Finds Hope During Advent Study

Around 10 members of Living Hope gathered for two consecutive Wednesday evenings (December 8 and December 15) at Pastor Sam Hamstra's as a way to stay connected and center down during Advent. During the gatherings, the group reflected on the prophesies about the birth of Christ as foretold by Isaiah, guided by an article written by Dr. Claude Mariottini, a professor of Old Testament at Northern Seminary. The article, titled "What Are We Waiting For?" (which can be downloaded for free here), focused on four images, as described by the prophet Isaiah, which describe the coming of the new son of David and establishment of God's reign. Through the images of a sacred place (the mountain of the Lord's house), a fallen tree (the peaceful kingdom), a highway in the desert, and the birth of a child (Immanuel), God's people, at the time of Isaiah, were given hope and encouragement—the same hope and encouragement that we seek today.

As Mariotinni concludes, "During Advent, Christians must reflect on the time when conflict among nations will cease, the peaceful kingdom a descendant of David will establish, the way we must walk daily, and the One who is God with us.

"Isaiah's oracles spoke to the situation of God's people and described his vision for a future brought by God. Advent speaks to Christians about the present and the future. The presence of God in Christ is the reality that gives meaning to our present. The expectation of his coming prepares us for the day when the future Christ promised will become a reality.

"Isaiah's message proclaims a future filled with hope. His message has deep implications for God's people today. The hope Isaiah proclaims points us to a sacred place, to a fallen tree, to a highway in the desert, and to the birth of a child. Isaiah's message directs our faith to a future in which justice will prevail, in which creation will be restored, and universal peace will be established. Advent heightens this hope and impels us to journey together with Immanuel on this Holy Way, a journey that will culminate with the establishment of God's kingdom."