This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent – a season of waiting. Advent is a time of anticipation as we look forward to Christmas when we remember Christ's first coming, and a time of eager expectation as we wait patiently for his appearing. Advent is a season of hope! Against much opposition, and into a world where hope is so often battered and bruised, feeble and failing, Matthew reminds us that Jesus will not break the bruised reed or snuff out the smouldering wick. Justice will prevail, but not without mercy. Not by strength or by power, but by the Spirit. This is our hope.