This week, Pastor Chris launched our Advent season with the start of our Christmas series, The Thrill of Hope. At the heart of the Christmas season is the hope found in Jesus—His sovereignty and unshakable faithfulness. By placing our hope in God rather than in our circumstances, we can experience peace even in the darkest of times, with His presence serving as an anchor for our souls.

This side of heaven, all earthly vessels we place our hope in leak to some degree.

Hope is the confident expectation of good from God.

Hebrews 6:19–20 (ESV)

19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever.

  1. Hope was birthed for you in the manger. 

Luke 2:25–26 (MSG) 

25 In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. 

Luke 2:27–32 (MSG)

27 Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, 28 Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God: 29 God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. 30 With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation; 31 it’s now out in the open for everyone to see: 32 A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel.

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Romans 5:5 (NIV)

5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 8:28–29 (ESV)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

2. Hope gives light in the midst of darkness. 

Isaiah 9:2 (The Message)

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows— light! sunbursts of light!

Luke 1:78–79 (The Message)

78 Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God’s Sunrise will break in upon us, 79 Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.

3. We can hope because God is in control. 

Luke 1:35–37 (ESV)

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.”

  • God knows the future. 
  • God is in control. 
  • God never forgets who you are. 
  • No matter what happens, you can know that God is for you. 
  • God is just and trustworthy.
  • God’s plans lead to life. 
  • God walks with you in His goodness. 
  • The resurrection has the final word. 

Psalm 55:22 (ESV)

22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Romans 15:13 (ESV)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is described as a “sure and steadfast anchor for the soul” (Hebrews 6:19)? How has this truth impacted your life, especially during difficult times?
  2. Simeon in Luke 2:25-32 had a deep, prayerful expectancy for God’s salvation (scroll up to re-read). How does his example challenge or encourage you in your own faith and hope during the Advent season?
  3. Pastor Chris listed several reasons why we can have hope because God is in control: He knows the future, He is just, He walks with us, and the resurrection has the final word. Which of these truths resonates most with you today and why?
  4. What are some tangible ways your group can support each other in placing and keeping your hope in Christ during the Advent season?

Application Question:

  1. As we reflect on the hope we have in Jesus, ask the Lord how can you be a source of hope for others who are struggling this Christmas season?
  2. Is there a specific person in your life who might be walking in darkness or feeling hopeless? What is one step you can take to offer them the hope of Christ this season?