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.