Softly. Silently. Slowly.

Do you remember those mornings waking up to discover the bright blanket of white snow covering everything outside your window?

Most couldn’t deny the magic of this scene. It does something almost mystical to even the most cynical of winter Grinches.

The thing is though, you don’t even know it is happening. All through the night, or even if it falls in the day, snow falls quietly. Changing landscapes gently. Until the cumulative build up is so vast that plans change, schools shut and cars start skidding on frosty roads.

Deferred hope is a little like this too. You can be merrily plodding along through life, convincing yourself and those around you, that “I’m fine” (as Ross dashes off to pour another margherita in the kitchen #iykyk).

Until you’re not.

The long term build up of countless discouragement. The empty opportunities. The lack of invitation, perceived or real. It takes its toll. And one day you realise your heart is sick, covered with the chill of a fresh snowfall. Proverbs 13:12 becomes a reality in your life and the hopelessness cuts deep.

Our real Advent

And no matter how many times you read of God’s faithfulness. No matter how many times you’ve seen it proven, even with stories in your own life… you’re left cold. The excitement doesn’t come anymore. The dreams dwindle before they’ve had a chance to be kindled. “What's the point?” becomes your default position.

But Advent reminds us that hope is something to be nurtured. Something to be believed in. SomeONE to trust.

Whilst those around you, or situations which keep on letting you down, there is One who does not and will not.

The Source of Life will bring forth the tree of life as He, and He alone, will fulfil your heart’s desires.

Because the waiting isn't based on a particular change in circumstances. It’s not about new, loud announcements. Or fresh, snazzy fixes. It’s about faithfully holding onto Hope.

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12

But there is hope.

In the same way disappointment and discouragement can softly, slowly build, so too can the hope that comes with fixing your eyes on Jesus. It may not be a monumental shift, or groundbreaking miracle. Perhaps the breakthrough doesn't happen immediately. Maybe the angels won't burst from heaven singing their Hallelujahs, lighting up the sky. But if you think about it, it was only really a small group of shepherds who were privileged enough to see this kind of display that very first Christmas. The Christ child, born into poverty, hidden in a tiny town, came silently. How silently, we’ll never truly know but we do know that He is the most wondrous gift that’s been given.

His presence then, and His presence now, promises joy to the world - all the world, you included! His promise is for peace on earth - a perfect peace that passes all understanding. And He embodies hope for all humankind.

Let hope build

Maybe you’ve been waiting, and waiting… and waiting.

Maybe the disappointment has built for so long that the magic of midnight snowfall has long passed.

Remember though, Israel had been waiting for over 400 years for God to speak. It can’t be that bad ;-)

Whilst all of heaven heralded the arrival of this new Hope, many on earth didn’t even notice.

Persist with Patience

The encouragement is that if you keep your eyes fixed on Him, if you continually come and adore Him, if you open yourself up to His beautiful presence then you can begin to experience His hope. And just like the gentle falling of snow building quietly, you’ll begin to feel the warmth of His love transform the chill within. His hope can heal even the hardest of hearts. Are you ready to open up, receive Him still and let the dear Christ enter in?

Don't settle for the chill, welcome His warmth

Take some time this advent to choose hope each day. Rest in Him and let the peace of His presence inspire you to dream again.