ADVENT WREATH READING: Isaiah 60:1-3 SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 5:1-2 Summary: 2021 Advent - Part 1 God’s people had a long journey of hope from the Old Testament whispers. God’s faithfulness fuels the hope of God’s people today. We have hope based on God’s Word, God’s Character, and God’s Faithfulness. That’s the journey that brings us to the living hope we have in Romans 5. What gives you hope? Notes about Advent: Advent is not just an extension of Christmas—it is a season that links the past, present, and future. it’s an active, assured, and hopeful waiting REMEMBER: Advent is not a celebration that God comes to fix things—from broken computers to broken families to broken and hurting lives. Rather, simply, Advent is a celebration that God comes. God comes to be with us. He is the God with Us. In the darkness, in the pain, in the chaos, He comes. And He makes a way. BACKGROUND: The Long Journey of HOPE Isaiah 7:14; 9:1-2, 6-7; Luke 1 Let’s get on the path to Romans 5:2, where we REJOICE IN HOPE STAND TALL IN GRACE BY FAITH where we GLORIFY GOD… 1. HOPE BASED ON GOD'S ! Psalm 130:5; 139:7-12; 119:89-90 2. HOPE BASED ON GOD'S ! Attributes revealed in His name: Jesus (Matthew 1:21) / Savior Christ (Luke 9:18-20) / Messiah 3. HOPE BASED ON GOD'S ! Lamentations 3:21-26 BENEDICTION: ROMANS 15.13 “13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”