December 7, 2025: Advent 2: When We’re Running Out of Hope, God is at Work
Matthew 11: 1-11

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

John the Baptist sends word to Jesus from his prison cell, asking, “Are you the one?” John has spent his entire life preparing the way for Jesus, but from his prison cell, now facing death, the future looks bleak. Like John, even the most confident of us wonders from time to time: Is all this work worth it? Does anything I do matter? Am I on the right path? We can’t always see the results of our efforts, yet God is at work anyway. How might we, like Jesus and Isaiah, point to the places where God is active in our world? How might we keep hope alive?

Traditionally, during Advent, we hear John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness, urging the crowds to prepare the way for the one who is coming, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. In this series, we jump to the end of John the Baptist’s ministry to focus on a moment when deep fear and suffering lead him to question the impact of his life’s work. The Sanctified Arts team chose this passage because far too many of us can relate to John’s frustration. We may also ask: “Have my efforts made a difference? Is God truly at work?” This week, let’s acknowledge these questions but also explore follow-up questions for self-inquiry.

• Is my hope solely dependent upon outcomes, tangible proof, or positive change?

• Can I practice hope even when I don’t see the fruits of my labor?

• Do I trust that God is at work, even if I cannot always see it?

• Might God be at work in ways I don’t expect?

This week in our series focuses on developing a gritty and resilient hope that is not easily shaken by doubts and fears. Dr. Boyung Lee, the theologian for the series, wisely explains: “Hope in the gospel is not grounded in outcomes or visible success. Hope is rooted in perception — in trusting God is still at work, even when systems remain unchanged, even when prophets die behind bars.” Overall, Lee affirms that “hope that trembles is still hope.”

See you Wednesday at noon for Midweek Bible Study on this series, What Do You Fear?

See you Sunday after worship for the book study, “Calling All Angels” by Erin Wathen.

The way we worship is the way we live.

Worship is the work of the people, bringing together our fullest selves in a communal act of love and gratitude.  Each voice is important; each person is valued as the Spirit draws out our authentic gifts and talents, shared in the ever-widening circle of God’s people.  We hope you’ll join us this week as we gather to worship the God of extravagant welcome.