“If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Ro. 8:25

Dear Friends,

I’m quite sure that we all need something to look forward to. It could be as simple as a good meal, a hockey game or chatting with a friend. It might be more significant, as in a long-awaited holiday, retirement or even spring. The word we use to define this feeling or state of mind is ‘hope’.

The word for ‘hope’ in the New Testament always signifies ‘an expectation of something good’. It always pertains to something that has not happened yet. We currently live in an in-between state. We have had a taste of the grace of God – of mercy and forgiveness – but it is not yet full-blown. We have experienced in part the joy of encountering Jesus but not as yet face to face. Historically, we exist between the first and second coming of the Lord. We therefore live in hope, expecting better things to come, and waiting for them patiently.

Our hope, Christian hope, is quite grand. We expect to receive new bodies which will never get sick or die. We expect to be part of a society where there is no crime, no injustice, no selfishness, no poverty, no fear. (2 Peter 3:13) All will live in love and peace. Clearly, we aren’t there yet. The second advent of Jesus the Messiah will usher in this new era.

On the first Sunday in Advent, November 27^th, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. There will be 2 services: Lochlin at 9 and Haliburton at 11:15. You are invited to join as we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes”. 1 Cor. 11:26

In Christ’s love,

Harry