What is Hope? [Reflections for Advent Week 1]

The first Sunday of December (which was yesterday) marks the beginning of Advent. Advent is a season observed by many Christians as a time of preparation and expectant waiting for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The term comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming”.

The keeping of an Advent wreath is a common practice in many homes and churches. My wife has set up an Advent wreath on our mantle, with four candles. For every Sunday of Advent, a candle is lit. Each candle represents a different theme: hope, peace, joy, and love.

For Advent this year, we thought we would blog about the questions we are asking ourselves each week as we try to be intentional about observing this season. Our hope is that these questions would be helpful to you as well, as you prepare for Christmas.

Questions:
1) What does hope mean to you?

2) Does hope mean that there are good things to come, or better things to come?

3) Does hope always mean that things will have to change?

4) Does hope mean that the future has to be better than what you experienced in the past, or only better than what you are experiencing in the present?

5) What is the difference between a wish and a hope?

6) Is hope a choice or a feeling?

7) What is the hope you have based on? (i.e. How do you know the things that you hope for will come true?)