ADVENT: HOPE | Pastor John Eric Zayas

This past Sunday, we stepped into the Advent season with a message centered on Hope—a hope promised, a hope revealed, and a hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:1–7 reminds us that even in seasons of deep darkness, God speaks a word of light: “For unto us a Child is born… and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Through this prophecy, we are reminded that the ultimate hope for humanity is not found in our own strength, solutions, or systems. It is found in a Savior—One who steps into darkness to bring light, into brokenness to bring healing, and into a weary world to bring peace. This is the gospel: that God loved us enough to send His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from sin, restore us to Himself, and reign forever as the true King.

Advent points us forward and pulls us back—back to the manger where hope was born, and forward to the promise that Christ will come again. As we wait, we don’t wait in fear or uncertainty, but with a confident, anchored hope in the Messiah who has come and who will come again.

May this season awaken in us a fresh expectation, a renewed trust, and a steadfast hope in Jesus Christ, our Light and our Salvation.