Our focus for reflection for all of Advent, in sync with our entire Diocese, has been ‘leaning into hope.’ In doing so, we are seeking to recover something very specific our church believes about hope, which is more than optimism and does not depend on if things are going well today or look good tomorrow. Like many aspects of God, hope is hidden on the surface, but by faith in times of trial, it rises up with great strength and blessing.  In the readings from this season of Advent, Jesus gives us hints on uncovering this hidden power of hope in God, with a series of parables.  He encourages us that if even one mustard seed is sprouting, even one coin or sheep is found, if only one person comes to the king’s banquet—these tiny seeds of hope are reason enough for a great celebration! For a glimmer of hope in God goes a very very long way!  In today’s sermon, I want to take a closer look at how our Gospel reading invites us to uncover hope, and how small seeds of hope in hard times have revealed the power of God in the lives of several of our church members.