Chapter I: Advent – Pearl Harbour Day

Today marks the beginning of U.S. involvement in the worst war to ever befall the world. It was the second global war, but it dwarfed the Great War by the sheer magnitude of destruction. The battle fields stretch across Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, and the South Pacific. It ended in the most horrific way possible.

By the end of the War, whole countries disappeared and others were born. Many proclaimed that it was the death-knell for Western Civilisation, and that still may yet be true.

For anyone who has talked to a grandparent, relative, or friend who was an adult during the War, it is obvious modern Americans know nothing of how tough it can be to survive through bad times. A trip to Europe’s battlefield and memorials and a chat with a European who actually lived through the War will confirm: we have no idea what a Hell this earth can really be.
This is the last day of the Week of Hope. The reality of this world is that we will never be free of the horrors of war. Indeed, the only reason that World War II was the worst the world has ever seen is because the technology allowed it to be so. We have only advanced on this front.

We long for an end to the threat of war. We long for peace in far away countries, in our capitol, between our neighbours, in our families, and, most of all, within the warring factions of ourselves.

With this in mind, we can more easily remember what it must have been like for those 1st century Jews who had been longing for their Messiah to come. They had gone through the glory, pain, and ultimate defeat of the Macabees’ attempt for freedom. They had not been truly free and united for 900 years. God had not spoken in 500 years.

And so we yearn, we hope...

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have 

But I feel the weight of what it brings

And the hurt that tries to grab 

The many trials that seem to never end

His word declares this truth

That we will enter in this rest

With wonders anew 

But I hold on to this hope

And the promise that He brings 

That there will be a place 

With no more suffering 

[Chorus]

There will be a day 

With no more tears

No more pain

And no more fears 

There will be a day

When the burdens of this place

Will be no more

We'll see Jesus face to face 

But until that day

We'll hold on to you always 

I know the journey seems so long 

You feel you're walking on your own 

But there has never been a step 

Where you've walked out all alone 

[Chorus]

Troubled soul don't lose your heart 

Cause joy and peace he brings 

And the beauty that's in store 

Outweighs the hurt of life's sting 

I can't wait until that day 

Where the very one I've lived for always 

Will wipe away the sorrow that I've faced 

To touch the scars that rescued me 

From a life of shame and misery

This is why this is why I sing

[Chorus]

-There Will Be A Day, by Jeremy Camp

This song is so apropos for many reasons. ‘I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings...’ We hope, beyond hope, that this is true.

‘Troubled soul don’t lose your heart, Cause joy and peace He brings...’ Our Hope leads us into the Peace of tomorrow’s candle, which, we hope, will lead to the Joy of Gaudete Sunday.

Even so, Lord Jesus...

Come Quickly!