The word that starts Advent is hope. We first prepare for Christmas by embracing our need for a messiah, so hope is the natural place to start. Hope simply means things could be better. Christians don’t resign themselves to the way things are, not when our constant prayer is “thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” But putting our hope into the context of that prayer reminds us that our desires don’t dictate God’s plan–just the opposite. We find ourselves where we should be when we serve God’s purpose–it’s never the other way around. Our desires may not be met as we expect, which makes naming them an act of faith in itself–who knows what God will do with us if we open our lives to his presence? And we are doing just that as we recognize the places in our lives that need God’s presence and salvation.
You can name your hope here, or use the paper “hay” at church to identify the place of need. Look for your frustrations, angers, and fears–maybe the restlessness that causes you to long for more. Whatever it is, use this space as an invitation for welcoming the Savior into your life.