A Vision of Advent Hope

Pastor Adam Gray
December 2019

Growing up, there was always talk of a “biblical worldview.” This was meant to describe how every part of a Christian’s life, ethics, priorities, and values should be shaped by the teaching of the Bible. While I no longer subscribe to some of the conclusions that those who use this model propound, the principle is sound. And because this is the week of Advent that calls us to meditate upon hope, I offer this, a vision of hope for God’s society to come, God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven:

I hope for a world where everyone has encountered the unconditional love and unlimited acceptance of God, where no one is made to believe that either God or God’s people reject them.

I hope for a world of just and equal sharing, where no one wants for fresh food, clean water, sustainable housing, adequate healthcare, or personal safety.

I hope for a world of intersectional justice, where the dividing walls of race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, age, and religion no longer divide us into in groups and out groups, but rather we celebrate the richness of God’s diverse creation.

I hope for a world where violence is turned to creativity, and the lust for war is overcome by the love of peace.

I hope for a world where every child is nurtured, educated, mentored, and celebrated in a family of acceptance, curiosity, and unselfish love.

I hope for a world where we each rise to the dawn wondering how we can contribute to making the whole world better, and not just how to get ahead for ourselves.

The prophet speaks of the hope of this coming world in this way:

“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor's rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen!” [Isa 9:1-7 NLT]

This Advent, wait and work in hope, and hope big – because this kind of big, systemic change is what Jesus came to do.