The Word in the Wings
The Word in the Wings > The Eternal Hope of Christmas
The Eternal Hope of Christmas
By: Jessica Noonan
At Glorify Performing Arts, we wish you a serene and peaceful Advent Season. Our hope is that amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, you can truly feel His presence and embrace the eternal promises our Savior offers. But what exactly is the Advent Season? And why is it significant for Christians?
The word “Advent” means “arrival” or “coming,” signifying two pivotal moments: the birth of Jesus and His anticipated return. This season invites us into a period of hopeful anticipation. Advent begins on the first Sunday of December and carries us through the joy of Christmas. Both Christians and non-Christians often see Advent as a time of hope. But what does this hope really mean? What are we waiting for?
While biblical hope and worldly hope may seem similar on the surface, they differ significantly. Worldly hope often manifests as a fleeting desire for joy, peace, and love—an expectation for good to emerge during difficult times or perhaps a simple act of kindness from a stranger. Unfortunately, this type of hope can lead to disappointment, as happiness in our world is not guaranteed. Life presents its challenges: illness occurs, conflicts arise, and negativity surrounds us. In contrast, biblical hope offers an enduring assurance that remains steadfast regardless of circumstances. It encompasses the fulfillment of God’s many promises: salvation, protection, comfort, sanctification, forgiveness, acceptance, strength, provision, guidance, and unfailing love. This hope provides indescribable joy, even in trials. It is a living, confident hope—not just optimism or something based on past experiences.
"This hope provides indescribable joy, even in trials."
If Advent is a time of expectant waiting and a moment to reflect on the hope we find in Jesus, how can we actively engage in this practice? What steps can we take to prepare our hearts for the Christmas season? With the chaos and the growing to-do lists, it’s easy to lose sight of what Christmas truly signifies, often becoming more focused on gifts than on the arrival of our Savior. The world can easily distract us from the true light, Jesus Christ.
Everyone at GPA has experienced this profound hope in powerful ways, and because of that, we cannot remain silent. It would be selfish not to share His love with the world. One of the ways we do this is through the unique gifts God has bestowed upon us. We believe the arts possess the incredible ability to communicate God’s hope, peace, joy, and love in ways that can touch even the hardest hearts. While our culture often uses the arts for escapism and entertainment, introducing Jesus into the mix can leave us feeling renewed, refreshed, and enlightened.
This Christmas season, we encourage you to find ways to connect with Jesus through the arts. Whether it’s quietly listening to Christmas music by your tree, journaling your thoughts, crafting with your children, or attending a Christmas performance, seek out activities that help you reflect on the hope we have in Jesus.
"...INTRODUCING jesus into the mix can leave us feeling renewed, refreshed, and enlightened."
Recently, GPA performed “Looking East” at Daylesford Abbey, and I was deeply moved by the graceful and powerful choreography. The dancers embodied elegance and beauty, and the combination of dance and music truly prepared my heart and mind for the weeks ahead. Each dance segment began with spoken word poetry penned by GPA’s founder, Melody Mendoza. Her words resonated deeply with me, and she graciously allowed me to share them with you. Please take a moment to let her words resonate within your heart. Amid the chaos and the never-ending to-do lists, it’s easy to lose touch with the true meaning of Christmas, often becoming fixated on gifts rather than the arrival of our Savior. I pray this does not happen to you. I pray you can find that stillness. It is there; you simply have to seek it out.
Hope
Jerrimiah 33:14: “The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah”
– Hope –
Hope in the Lord is our sure foundation, a trust that will not be broken.
For hope is what carries us through the moments and days when all we feel is broken.
That hope in God’s plan of restoration, that will heal this world so broken.
Hope we can cling to, for we know the truth the Lord has spoken.
To YOU O Lord, I lift my soul, guide me in your truth and teach me
To YOU O Lord, I fix my eyes, reveal my sin and humble me
To YOU O Lord, I knit my hope, let your justice lead me
May the Lord increase our hope with abundance, anticipating His return with expectation of GLORY as we stand erect with our hands and heads raised high towards the sky keeping our eyes fixed on God, not drowsy or anxious or caught by surprise, but staying vigilant ready to laud His praises as we worship in awe. The one in whom we have hope.
Joy
Zephaniah 3:14 “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! ”
– Joy –
The joy of the Lord is the strength that propels us to worship with our whole heart.
For Joy in our soul comes when we know the Lord rejoices over our heart.
That joy He sings is because of His great love for each and every heart.
Joy in us comes from our mighty savior, filling us in whole, not in part.
Cry out with joy and gladness, because of God we can be unafraid
Cry out with joy and gladness, we can boldly proclaim His name
Cry out with joy and gladness, for it is from the Lord that we have been saved
True joy from the Lord is not phony or forced, but it might not always make sense. When we fix our eyes on things in this life we will feel an honest lament in our heart but can choose not to pent up our sorrow for we know the Lord holds our heart in His hands, and the hurt is not hollow. So in the midst of this world, we hold onto joy that comes from knowing our King has amazing things in store, so we can rejoice and say alleluia, for in the midst of this hurting world, the Joy of the Lord is contagious.
Peace
Baruch 5:3-4a: “For God will show all the earth your splendor; you will be named by God forever the peace of justice…”
– Peace –
The peace of God lives in our hearts, a peace that is not just a story.
For peace from above is a salve to our hurt, one that comforts OUR story.
That peace the Lord gives, beyond understanding that is part of His story.
Peace that comes only from a God of incredible Glory.
The Lord has done great things for us; our tears have turned to rejoicing
The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed
The Lord has done great things for us; our mouth has filled with laughter
May the Lord fill our overwhelmed hearts with His peace as we read His word and know: every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low.” So why are we anxious? Why do we stress? Why do we believe the lie that God won’t enter into our mess and guide our steps, guide our heart. Let us choose to let go and let God part our fears, part our worries, slow our breath and pause our hurry. Decide to rest in the one who is the best answer to our needs, the One who is our peace.
Love
Micah 5:4 “He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord, in the majestic name of the Lord, his God”
– Love –
The love of the Lord is so clearly seen from sending Jesus as a babe, so small.
A love incarnate reaching the world through a woman in a town so small.
That indescribable love of a Father, and love of a mother that is anything but small.
Love from God through Jesus Christ that rescues and saves us all
Lord make us turn to you; let us run towards your saving power
Lord make us turn to you; at all times let us call on your name
Lord make us turn to you; protect us with your mighty right hand
A greater love has never been – than that of our God who sent his only Son to the earth to die for our sin. A love so magnificent, a love so divine, can we even comprehend this love so fine? For 32 years then written for all time, we glimpsed God’s love from above that sent Jesus through Mary, and have the example of Jesus’ life. And through that glimpse we have the chance to fill the earth with a dance, of loving others with generosity and care, in the midst of things not being fair, when we’re tempted to compare… Let us follow the example of the Lord above, and take action and share words, filling the world with Jesus’ love.
