1st Sunday in Advent--Hope

Luke 1:67-75

Intro: Ill. 162. Gal. 5:22, fruits of Spirit and Advent Wreath. Longsuffering. Jews waited in Egypt, wilderness, captivity, silent period. Waiting for the coming of the Lord.

1. LK 1:67-75

Zech. in priestly division; each division served 2x per year for one week; lottery for holy of holies (just once in lifetime)

Waiting for children, too

Gabriel told him about John; Zech. said, "Show me a sign"

God's answer: Yes, No, Wait

While we wait, we need to seek Him in prayer; seeking Him will help to keep up our waiting

2. LAM 3:26

It is good; it builds faith; let God refine you

Rom. 8/1 Jn. 5:13

Ill. Cross Stitch

Youth: Ecc. 12

Afflictions are good for us; if we bear them aright, it works to our good (Joseph; Daniel; Paul)

3. We live in a period of instant gratification

30 min. sitcoms; one hour if explosions and car chases

As we light the candle, we demonstrate our willingness to wait on the Lord

While we wait, we are not idle; we fix things now

Conclusion: Wait for the lifejacket to carry you to the surface. Wait on the Lord and hope in Him.