In this first sermon of the Advent series, we examine Mary's journey to visit her relative, Elizabeth, to spend about three months with her, sharing encouragement and singing songs of praise to God. While we do not know the details of their visit, we do know that they trusted in God together, hoped together, and anticipated the coming of hope in the person of Jesus Christ together. Waiting in community for God's faithfulness is such a beautiful part of being in Christian community. We can spur one another to godly hope and encourage one another to be faithful in our waiting.

As Mary sings the song that we now know as the Magnificat, she exalts God's holy name and proclaims that Jesus is the answer to the woes of and hardships of life. He is the answer to the brokenness we experience and he is the reason why Mary sings despite her circumstances being difficult; he is the reason why we can sing in our challenging times as well because he is the hope that makes all of the brokenness we face worth enduring. In this Advent season, let us hope together in a community of Christ followers!