United Methodist Pastor Olu Brown penned the original version of this book during the COVID-19 crisis and the ensuing months. With COVID-19 and unrest on American streets as a backdrop, Brown reminds the reader that God is still in control and there is still hope for the world. Brown updated Hope: An Advent Journey in summer of 2023 for groups that haven’t used the original version of this study. Designed for both individual and group study, Hope: An Advent Journey is the perfect companion for Advent 2023.
In Hope: An Advent Journey, author Olu Brown encourages readers to reclaim Advent as something already here, not a season waiting to arrive. Matthew’s gospel speaks of Jesus as Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” This name does not speak of the future, but of the present.
In spite of any difficulties we face, we have Emmanuel. Our hope is not based on external situations, but eternal promises. This Advent season can be the best ever if you dare to embrace the hope of Jesus right now, knowing that God’s grace and love are present to carry you through the most challenging times in your life.
