When things are going wrong, we encourage our friends, saying, “Look up. Things will get better.” But that takes hope based on some report or promise. Our Advent hope is based on promises God has made throughout history, some of which we still await. Isaiah sees lions and lambs living together one day. Paul hopes that Jews and Gentiles will learn to live in harmony together now. But John the Baptist warns that only repentance will enable us to move forward. Advent is a time to recognize God’s grace in forgiving our sins and to look forward and up in hope! .