First Advent and the candle of Hope!

First Advent Sunday: Lighting the candle of hope.

Revelation 1: 16 "His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance (Rev 1:16).   In fellowship with the church, John sees the "Son of Man" who is an "unapproachable light" (1 Tim 6:16). He is so brilliant, so awesome, so glorious, it hurts the eyes to be in his very presence. 

Our response to this portrait of Jesus can only be like John's response: "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead" (Rev 1:17).

He is the Jesus whose birth we will celebrate on Christmas Day.

It is this awesome King who was born of Mary, who became one of us to save us from our sins and grant us eternal life.  It is this awesome King that gives us hope in every situation!

This is the reason why the angels sang, the shepherds worshiped and the wise men served him with the royal gifts and honour!

Because he is Israel’s great and glorious Messiah, our Lord and Saviour!

We too should fall at it is feet in worship! Christmas proclaims: The King was born! The King conquers!  The King is coming!

He is the mighty King whom we await during the Advent season. 
On the First Advent Sunday we light the candle of Hope, for he alone is our hope and our salvation!

He who overcomes our suffering, who makes us one with him in his Kingdom and who grants us perseverance until he returns to share his heavenly glory with us forever, is  coming! We await his coming during the Advent Season!

Therefore:

Do not be afraid:   The King that was born is called Jesus:  The LORD saves!

Do not be afraid:  The King that was born reigns forever.

Do not be afraid:  The King is coming!