If you’re longing for joy, light, or just something to celebrate this Christmas, you’re not alone. 

The Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) were sung by Israel as they travelled to Jerusalem—the place where God’s presence dwelt, where sacrifices brought peace, and where God’s king reigned. 

Through a New Testament lens, these songs point us to Jesus. In Him we have full access to God, a perfect sacrifice, and an eternal King. 

Israel once ascended to meet with God, but at Christmas we celebrate that Jesus descended to meet us— bringing hope, peace, joy, and love right where we are.   

The season of Advent can help us grow in hopeful waiting in a world that is full of distractions.  

Patient living is the means to live actively in the present and wait there. Waiting then is not passive.  Henri Nouwen 

Psalm 130 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, 
     for with the Lord is unfailing love 
     and with him is full redemption. 

Titus 2:11-14 …and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

Our hope is that Christ Came – his grace forgives and redeems. 

Our hope is that Christ Comes – continually restores / renews us with purpose in the here and now. 

Our hope is that Christ will come again to gather us his people. 

And this summarizes the season of Advent. 

We see this in what we talk about regarding the gospel.  

Christ worked, his dying on the cross to offer forgiveness to all.  

Christ is working in and around us today. 

Christ will work again. He is coming back to gather his people. 

Be encouraged - Our hope has a name…  the name is Jesus, a name that is above every name!