“O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you” (Psalm 39:7). “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isa. 41:10). “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee…” Phillips Brooks
Lord Jesus, it’s just November 18th but the trend continues. Advent markers and Christmas symbols are multiplying. Lights, trees, wreaths increase every day… and we haven’t sat down to Thanksgiving lunch yet. I love it.
The most memorable line of Phillips Brooks’ hymn (O, Little Town of Bethlehem) reminds us of two heart-grabbing realities. “The hopes and fears of all the years” collide then dance… when you enter the Story. Accordingly, thirty-six-ish days from Christmas, we want to affirm these 3 things: First of all, our hope is in you—not in things changing, people filling us up, or us getting more anything. We emotionally vacillate between “Yippee!” and “Dang it!”, but we can, and do, trust you, Lord.
Secondly, we do have fears—fears of not having enough and being enough, fears of “What if’?” and “If only.” Because of you, Jesus, and the riches of your grace, we don’t have to deny it, spin it, “white-knuckle” it. Thank you.
Thirdly, our hopes and fears find full and final resolution in you. You aren’t our mere “happy ending.” You are our life (Phil.1:21)—our “righteousness, holiness, redemption” (1Cor.1:30); our “portion,” joy, and inheritance. For the next five weeks—and the rest of our lives, we want to grow in our “smittenness” with you, Jesus… with your beauty, goodness, and truth. So Very Amen.