Choosing Watchful Hope (Advent Week 1)

As we enter this Advent season, let us stay thankful for the grace that has brought us this far, with hearts still strong, watchful, and hopeful. 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). 

When doubt and discouragement press in, we practice faith and hold on to hope as holy resistance. We refuse to allow darkness, doubt, and discouragement to have the final say, and we cling to the truth of our coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. The one who came as a miracle into this world… and will come again. Advent calls us to tell the truth about what is broken while living as if God’s future is already on the way. 

ADVENT ACTION: This week, please do an intentional “action of hope” by encouraging someone who’s weary (e.g., a call, a note, a visit, etc.) and pray Romans 15:13 over them. In this, we share our watchful hope in anticipation of Christ, confident that God’s promises will be fulfilled.

Peace and Blessings,

Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard

CBA Regional Executive Minister