Description 

Main Point:  God has given us a Hope and a future, not just for eternity but for today.  

Synopsis:

• A young girl discovers that the Hope of Advent isn’t confined to religious tradition but that God’s Hope meets her where she lives.
• As she searches an open filed and by-ways in a suburban mountain town, a young girl finally rests on a curb. Discouraged, she silently prays and to her delight, a beautiful golden retriever, obviously the source of her search, appears.
• Set to the first verse of O Come,O Come Emmanuel, three Scripture texts also aid in moving the narrative along:

If you look for me with your whole heart you will find me

I will be found by you says the Lord (Jeremiah 29:13-14)

The Lord is good to the one who seeks Him; to those whose Hope is in Him. Lamentations 3:25 

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you Hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Music Lyrics:

• O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
  that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
  Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.           

Application:

• This slice of life metaphor of God fulfilling hope in our daily lives is something everyone can relate to.
• Powerfully moves the “traditional Advent religious ceremony outside of the walls of the church into practical life experiences. 

Suggested Uses:

First Sunday of Advent (November 29, 2009) 

Biblical Reference: listed above

Runtime:	1:28
Genre:	Text