A talk on Hope for Advent

On 11th December, biblical scholar Jessie Rogers gave us a talk on Zoom, looking at the message of hope that pervades Advent scripture readings. “Hope grows where it is most needed,” she said. Even apocalyptic passages, such as those found in Luke 21:25-28 and in Daniel’s vision (Daniel 7:9-14) are meant to bring hope, to show us that there is hope emerging out of chaos.

“As I looked, thrones were put in place and the Ancient One took his seat…” ~ Dan 7:9

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” ~ Luke 21:27

She also gave examples of passages in the Gospel such as the fig tree story (Luke 21:29-31) where the appearance of buds indicates a sign of hope, that God is bringing life out of what may come across as chaos or even destruction. She also mentioned the passage of the Visitation (Luke 1:39-45) as an illustration of ‘hope born anew’. As Mary comes closer, she said, the life within us ‘leaps out’.