SPOILER ALERT

We’ve all come across those words when scrolling through a movie or book review. This simple catchphrase warns you to stop reading or else you’ll find out how the movie ends before you even see the first minute of it.

God, however, is the opposite of a modern-day reviewer—there are spoilers threaded throughout the Bible because He wants us to know how the story ends. He knew we’d have dark days and hard seasons. Betrayal and loss on both grand and small scales, and the daily drip of small frustrations.

Like a patient teacher, He repeats Himself over and over until we get it:

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and there shall be no more pain, for the former things are passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold I make all things new.’” (Revelation 21:4-5). 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

“‘The mountains may shift, and the hills may be shaken, but my faithful love won’t shift from you, and my covenant of peace won’t be shaken,’ says the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:10).

“No weapon forged against you will prevail.” (Isaiah 54:17).

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

 “The Lord your God is in your midst — a warrior bringing victory. He will create calm with his love.” (Zephaniah 3:17).

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10).

Here’s the truth: it’s going to get bad sometimes. Sometimes spectacularly so. But we are more than our circumstances, which are not the final word. The baby in the manger who grew to be the man who overcame the grave has the final word and is the final word. Knowing this lets us navigate this life with real hope.

I like The Message translation of John 16:33: “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace”—which sounds a lot like the non-anxious presence we’ve been talking about lately. Who doesn’t want to be unshakable and deeply at peace despite what might be going on in the world and in our own lives?

SPOILER ALERT

As believers in Christ, we can have that kind of peace. That’s good news this Advent season.