Advent is a season of hope. It reminds us that God is always present with us even in the midst of darkness and question, suffering and struggles. He fulfills his promises to us to be with us, to come and save us, to restore and renew us. As the Chosen People heard the word of God over the centuries from prophet after prophet, we hear the same words in our own time. They waited in darkness for the light promised; they waited in hope of the coming of the Messiah; they waited with memories of God's providential care and deliverance.

The consistent message we can embrace is there is always reason to hope, even when our eyes are filled with tears and our hearts are heavy with sorrow. This is what we affirm as Christians. God is the God of life, a life stronger than death and destruction. He is our hope and strength.   I conclude with this passage from the prophet Habakkuk: "For though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit appears on the vine, Though the yield of the olive fails and the terraces produce no nourishment, Though the flocks disappear from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the LORD” (3:17-18).