Where I See Hope | Rev Philip Allred
Revelation 21
Advent invites us to watch for hope in a world that is often weary. It reminds us that God is still writing the story, that light keeps breaking through the darkness, and that Christ comes to make all things new. This is why Revelation 21 is such a beautiful Advent passage. It is not about escape. It is about promise, presence, and renewal.
Pastor David preached on this passage on Sunday, so I want to remind us that God’s future is not something we wait for passively. It is a future already breaking into the present, a future we are invited to see and embody. John’s vision shows us the world as God intends it to be. A world where God dwells with humanity. A world where God wipes every tear from every eye. A world where death, mourning, crying, and pain are no more.
In this season, I find hope because God has already begun this work in Christ. Jesus comes among us as Emmanuel, God with us, not to abandon creation but to renew it. The Advent story is the beginning of Revelation’s promise. The same God who draws close in Bethlehem will one day bring all creation to wholeness.
Which leads to the question: where do we see signs of this hope now? Sometimes hope comes quietly, like a candle in the dark. Other times it looks like people choosing compassion instead of fear, welcome instead of suspicion, presence instead of distance. Hope becomes visible whenever we participate in God’s renewing work, even in small but meaningful ways.
This year, our church has a chance to embody that hope for refugee families in our community. Many of these families have lost homes, countries, and loved ones. Some have carried deep grief and uncertainty into a new life in Central Florida. Yet we believe that God’s promise in Revelation 21 is for all.
A Christmas party may seem simple, but for these families, it can be a glimpse of joy. A reminder that they are not alone. A sign that there are people who will stand with them and celebrate with them. When we offer food, laughter, a safe place for children to play, and a community of welcome, we take part in God’s renewal work. We help wipe away tears, even if only for an afternoon. We give them a moment of belonging. And we ourselves are shaped by the hope we give.
As we wait for Christ to come again, we step into the promise that God is making all things new. And we look for hope right where we are, trusting that God is already present, already healing, already drawing creation toward its restoration.
If you want a tangible way to live this out, here is an opportunity to do just that.
Refugee Ministry Christmas Party
In partnership with Summit Church and Africans Family and Community Outreach. Come help with a Christmas party for refugee families. Volunteers will help manage activities like a bounce house and face painting, serve food, or assist with set-up and clean up. This opportunity is for adults 18 and older.
Leader: Clay Mitchell
Location: Summit Church, 735 Herndon Ave, Orlando, FL
Date and Time: December 20, 11am to 3pm
May we see hope in the Word who became flesh, and may we become hope for those God places in our path.