Hope in Advent

In December of 1931, most of the world was struggling through the effects of the Great Depression, and a group of construction workers in New York City pooled their money to purchase a symbol of hope.

On the site of the Rockefeller Center, which was in the beginning stages of construction in Midtown Manhattan, the workers placed the 20-foot Christmas tree they had bought.

They decorated with homemade items made by their families: stands of cranberries, homemade garlands and the tinfoil ends from blasting caps. They lined up at the tree to receive their paychecks.

Little did they know that this would become an annual tradition two years later. They had to pool every penny they had to purchase that first tree together.

They could never have guessed that one day their efforts would lead to 100-foot trees decorated with 5 miles worth of LED lights, countless ornaments, and topped with a 900-pound star comprised of 3 million Swarovski crystals.

However, getting from the simple beginnings of that first tree to the grandeur of today's celebrations was no simple feat. In 1942 they could not use any materials needed for the war to decorate the tree, so instead of one giant tree, they had three smaller ones, each decorated in the flag's three colors. From 1942 to 1944, the trees stood unlit because of the wartime black-out regulations. Most recently, in 2020, many observed that the tree was not up to its usual beauty standards. They speculated that the tree looked bare and limp, one person commenting that it looked like the tree had given itself a haircut. In a year like 2020, many felt it was symbolic that the iconic Rockefeller tree did not make it through unscathed.

There have been moments in history, and are definitely moments now when we feel hopeless.

The world that Jesus was born into was void of hope. God was silent, and the people went without a prophet for four centuries. Rome ruled over Israel, and the nation of Israel was splintering and tensions were high. Mary, a virgin, became pregnant before marrying Joseph, who then quietly attempted to cancel the wedding. A census was called that legally required young Joseph and a very pregnant Mary to travel 100 miles to Nazareth. Herod was a paranoid King who called for the execution of all male children in and around Bethlehem when he learned of Christ's birth.

The Great Depression was an incredibly trying time for many. The stock market crashed and brought about the worst economic downturn in history. Over 12 million people, nearly 25% of the workforce, were unemployed.

Those who had maintained their jobs saw their income fall over 40%. Farmers lost their land and homes to foreclosure due to the drops in farm commodity prices. Almost half of the banks in the United States failed by 1933, leaving many with no savings. Families all over America were homeless and starving. Thousands of homeless families created "homes" by camping on the Great Lawn at Central Park in New York City.

The last three years have been difficult for many. Covid saw mass job losses almost overnight, the world faced sickness and fear, and the worst part was that it kept us all isolated and scared to be with others. In the years that have followed, we have all tried to find our way back to a new normal. But with political tensions, war abroad, and inflation affecting us at the gas pump and in grocery store, many have yet to find their footing.

The holidays can also be a difficult time for some. Whether you have had a tough year (or couple of years), are dealing with family disputes, or have financial struggles. The year winding down and coming to an end often causes us to reflect on the past twelve months. While some will have hit milestones and goals, having done better than expected, others will struggle with unmet expectations and hope that has been deferred.

But even when times are hard: hope can be found.

Jesus was born. He lived, despite Herod's attempts to end His life. Jesus grew up, raised by Mary and Joseph, and spread God’s word. He made disciples and taught His apostles to do the same, so they could continue to spread the good news after He was gone. Jesus brought hope.

The construction workers of 1931 chose to focus on hope rather than the despair they were facing. Their actions have allowed for 91 years of joy and countless jobs provided by Rockefeller to keep the tradition going. My favorite part is that each year since 2007, when the tree is taken down after the New Year, it is turned into lumber that is then donated to Habitat for Humanity to build homes for those in need. A continued symbol of hope for many.

Now, 2000+ years after Jesus's birth, we are offered the opportunity to celebrate Advent, a reminder of our hope in Jesus. We can take time in the present to remember on what has happened (Jesus's birth) and what is to come (His second coming). It is an excellent reminder of how to live our lives. Learn from our past, hope for our future.

I pray that whatever may be happening in your life and wherever you find yourself, you are able to find hope in the midst of it all.

The hope often found in our past, hope we can have in Jesus, and a hope for your future.