A Season of Hope | Advent 2024

Redemption Hill Church Sermons

In this podcast episode, the Pastor Mike Hooper reflects on the significance of Advent, a tradition he initially viewed as outdated but has come to appreciate over the years. He emphasizes the importance of setting aside time in the church calendar to focus on key aspects of faith, such as the Second Coming of Christ, the Incarnation, and the passion of Jesus. The speaker highlights how holidays, originally rooted in holy days, serve as reminders to pause and reflect on what truly matters, centering around the person and work of Jesus Christ.The episode transitions to a reading from 1 Thessalonians 3, where the Apostle Paul expresses joy upon receiving good news about the faith and love of the Thessalonian church. The speaker contrasts Paul's tone in this letter with his more corrective letters to the Corinthians and Galatians, noting the encouragement and comfort Paul derives from the Thessalonians' steadfastness in faith amidst his own afflictions.As the discussion unfolds, the speaker delves into the meaning of Advent, describing it as a time of "presence after absence." He draws parallels between his personal experiences of longing during a year and a half of separation from his beloved and the Christian anticipation of Christ's return. The speaker emphasizes that, like Paul, believers can find hope and encouragement in the faith of others, and he encourages listeners to pray for love to abound within the church.The episode concludes with a reminder of the hope Christians have in the return of Christ, urging listeners to live in anticipation of that day without fear, as there is no condemnation for those in Christ. The speaker encourages a focus on hope during the Advent season, inviting listeners to let that hope fuel their devotion and discipleship.