When times are tough some leaders try to mask the difficulties by filling the air with hype—unrealistic expectations of future success, joy and exuberance disconnected from real life, excitement meant to dull the senses. Much of our modern celebration of Christmas unfortunately plays into this hype. But hype can’t be sustained, eventually is wears thin and falls short, leaving us in an even worse place than before. This second week of Advent, we turn away from the hype of our culture toward the hope of the Gospel message that was first preached to Israel in the Old Testament. Join us this Sunday as we look at Romans 15 and Paul’s confidence that you and I can abound in hope.