Sunday December 6, 2009

Daniel 11-12; Psalm 125; Proverbs 29:9-11; Daniel 12:10

In light of the visions Daniel had, it would have been perfectly reasonable for him to despair. But there’s this word of promise to finish the book – in the midst of all of this upheaval, many will be purified, made spotless and refined. This is deeply resonant with the truth we find in Christ – that there is salvation, and even spiritual growth, in the midst of trial. That is the light we celebrate with Advent, that because of Jesus there is hope instead of despair even though everything around us may say otherwise. Rejoice in that final and present hope today.