Advent is a season of waiting that we as Christians can use to reflect on various facets of preparation and celebration during the holidays. The first week of Advent, which started on December 1^st, was dedicated to Hope.  

In Jeremiah 29, we see that hope is a part of the plan for those whom God rescues. Hope is a well, deeper than emotion or circumstance. As scripture teaches, hope is a way of being – it is the disciplined state of waiting for Christ.  

Hope comes from the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13), gives strength to the weary (Isaiah 40:31), is fueled by the endurance and encouragement of scripture (Romans 15:4), sustains the anxious soul (Psalm 130:5), teaches us patience (Romans 8:25), and leads us to praise (Psalm 42:11).  
 
Hope is a key ingredient to faith, for as Hebrews 11:1 says, faith is to be sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.  

As the Israelites waited 400 years in silence for the birth of Christ, we have waited in anticipation of his return for two millennia. In this season of waiting for the best that is yet to come, we can tap into one of our greatest resources: we can hope.  

Our schools, our communities, our families, and our students thrive on not just the hope we provide, but also the hope we carry with us. We have the opportunity to daily shine a light that only the hope of Christ can bring.  

To the deepest level of what we live for, we stand together, arm in arm…united, for hope.  

Romans 5:5 “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts…”