Hope, Not Hype, This Christmas

The prophetic book of Malachi, the last chapter in the Old Testament, echoes with promises and prophecies of hope for a people who had just emerged from seventy years of exile. This period of anticipation, marked by cycles of political upheaval and societal unrest, forms the backdrop of the Advent season—the expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Malachi 4: A Promise of Hope

Malachi 4 opens with a proclamation of a coming day, burning like a furnace, where the wicked will be judged and the righteous will find healing and prosperity. The chapter speaks of a figure resembling Elijah, who will prepare the hearts of the people for the Lord's return. In the midst of a tumultuous historical landscape, these promises provided a glimmer of hope for a nation yearning for redemption.

However, between the promises of Malachi and the fulfillment of those promises in the Gospel of Luke, lies 400 years of history. Political regimes rise and fall, and the people of Israel find themselves living under various authorities, their hope for a better future dwindling.

Luke 1: The Dawn of Fulfillment

Yet, within this period of silence, a faithful remnant, exemplified by the righteous couple Zechariah and Elizabeth, clings to hope despite their own challenges. In the time of Herod, Zechariah, and Elizabeth, descendants of Aaron, embody the continuation of faithful obedience despite years of barrenness. The angel Gabriel delivers the astonishing news that Elizabeth will bear a son named John, who will prepare the way for the Lord. The parallel with Malachi's prophecy is striking—God remembers his people and fulfills his promises, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Misplaced Hope

As we journey through Luke 1, the narrative unveils John's purpose in redirecting misplaced hopes. John's message challenges misplaced hope in religious ritual, lineage, power, and politics. In preparing the hearts of the people for Jesus, John emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and turning toward the true source of hope—Jesus Christ.

Hope in the Midst of Brokenness

Zechariah and Elizabeth's story serves as a poignant reminder that hope is often found in the midst of brokenness. Despite societal expectations and personal challenges, their faithfulness is rewarded with the fulfillment of God's promise. Elizabeth's proclamation, “The Lord has done this for me,” echoes with gratitude and triumph over years of disgrace and disappointment.

Advent: Refusing Hype, Embracing Hope

Often, during this season, we can be convinced to buy into the hype that is wrapped to look like hope. As we navigate the Advent season, the narrative calls us to refuse the hype that distracts from the true source of hope. In a world where hope is often hijacked for empty optimism, the message of Advent beckons us to fix our eyes on the eternal promises of a promise-making and promise-keeping God. It invites us to redirect our hope from the finite to the infinite, from external circumstances to eternal promises.

The Advent season invites us to reflect on the historical journey from divine silence to the fulfillment of hope in the birth of Jesus Christ. The stories of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John serve as beacons of hope in the face of adversity. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, may we, like them, anchor our hope in the person of Jesus, our eternal hope and promise fulfilled.

Blog adapted from November 27, 2023 message by Minister Alex Ehly