1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Those Who Have No Hope
13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
For many they see the season of Advent as hope...It is a festive time for many who enjoy the Christmas season...But for others who are angry, who are lost, who are fearful, who have lost loved ones, those who are alone, who are ill -they are or may not be happy...But Hope was born on Christmas Day...And the One born on Christmas looks to everyone, but especially for those who are angry, who are lost, who are fearful, who have lost loved ones, those alone, and those who are ill...Amidst those who have these trials and tribulations, a Baby was born in Bethlehem who would watch over those who need it most...So God sent Him from above, from heaven to us for help, and for hope...
And according to the LORD's own word, we tell you that those who believe in these things, have this hope...For the LORD Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first...After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air...And so we will be with the LORD forever...Amen...