Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

I have begun my preparations to Celebrate Advent, and today, I want to tell you what I will do on December 1, which in 2024, is the First Sunday of Advent. Advent takes place during the 4 weeks before Christmas, and it begins on the 4th Sunday away from Christmas. In 2023, Advent began on December 3, but in 2024, Advent begins on December 1.

Before I continue with this discussion, I want to stress that there is no “correct” or “incorrect” way to celebrate Advent, but most people who celebrate Advent believe that the First Sunday of Advent is Hope Sunday. On the First Sunday of Advent, I light one candle, and most people agree that this first candle is the Hope Candle.

Image Credit: Root Candles

Advent candle weeks, names & colors

• Advent week 1 – Hope: Prophecy Candle (purple)
• Advent week 2 – Peace: Bethlehem Candle (purple)
• Advent week 3 – Joy: Shepherd’s Candle (pink)
• Advent week 4 – Love: Angel’s Candle (purple)

Personally, I believe that the first candle should be the Light Candle because Light or Knowledge is Part of Understanding the Message of Hope–as it is conveyed in the Bible.

Advent is the Season during which Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and Jesus is the Light of the World.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

In my opinion, the entire Advent Season is the Season of Light, and for that reason, we light candles during Advent. When I light the first candle of Advent, I call that both the Hope Candle and the Light Candle, but in total honesty, I call all the Advent Candles the Light Candles.

What Is the Biblical Definition of Hope?

A. Definition of hope.

“Hope has been defined as “desire accompanied by expectation.” ….

Hope and Faith Supplement Each Other

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

“Hope is also to be distinguished from faith. They supplement each other, but are hardly identical. Hope is based on desire, facts, and rational considerations as well as, in its higher form, on faith. Faith is based not only on facts (Jer 33:20, 25) and rational considerations (Gen 1:1; Pss 14:1; 19:1-4; 104; Isa 40:12-26, 28; 41:17-20; 44:9-20; 45:2-8, 18f.; Acts 17:22-31; Rom 1:18-23), but on a sense of God’s presence in one’s own life and in the life of a godly community (Isa 12:2-6). It is also strengthened by one’s personal devotion and commitment to Him. Like simple expectation, faith in its certainty or confidence is apt to go beyond hope (Heb 11:1); yet in some respects, a Christian’s hope is rooted in his faith and goes beyond it. It is in faith that Christ Himself becomes one’s hope.

“B. Man a hopeful being. Because man is limited in his knowledge of the future and aware of alternative eventualities, he is hopeful, for he naturally seeks fulfillment and meaning in life.” Bible Encyclopedia

My Garden Is My Testament of Hope and Faith

In the above video, I mention Joan Baez’s Song My President Sang Amazing Grace —

Precious Memories, How They Linger – An Older Joan Baez Remembered When the President Sang Amazing Grace

Today, I am trying to beat the frost and plant some irises and other bulbs in my garden, Iris plants are fairly reliable, but still, I plant them, hoping that they will bloom another year. Irises are not mentioned in the Bible, but over time, they have taken on a religious significance. Often, irises are associated with resurrection because the plants seem to die each winter, but they return each spring. In that way, irises are a message of hope–hope for another spring–hope for resurrection. 

Wattle fences at the Cloisters
Image Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

I was at the Cloisters in May of 2017, and I snapped a photo of the following iris in bloom:

I believe that the iris plant shown above is Iris Pallida:

Iris Pallida
image Credit: Wikipedia

“For hundreds of years, the Iris pallida species was used for its medicinal qualities.^[3] It is commonly used today to flavor foods and drinks as well as for perfumes or air fresheners which dates back to the 15th century when it was common to use orris dates to leave fresh scents on linens.^[3] The plants rhizomes can also be used to make beads for children’s teething necklaces as well as rosary beads.” Wikipedia

Today, I planted both Iris Pallida and Iris Albicans–another very old variety of irises.
But enough of that trip down garden lane — and back to Advent. I am pointing out my garden again, to express once more that I garden in Hope. That is one way that I understand the meaning of the word “Hope.”

Since the fall of Adam and Eve, the story of the Old Testament is that of mankind’s HOPE for a Savior and a Shepherd that would one day come.

¹⁰ Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

¹¹ He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11-12

Christians believe that the Savior and Good Shepherd came to earth in the form of a Baby who grew to be a young man. At this point, Christians are waiting for that Savior to Come Again:

The Season of Advent is a Season of Waiting — A Season of Preparation — A Season of Hope for the Second Coming of Emanuel:

On Day 1 of Advent, I’ll Light the First Candle on My Advent Wreath PLUS I’ll Share a Story that I Feel Helps Further an Understanding of the Advent Season:

My First Story for the Advent Season is about Darkness and Light and How the World Began in Darkness, But God Created Light.

How to Prepare to Celebrate Advent – The Season of Light – #Advent — A Free Advent Calendar

 

 

 

 

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