Romans 15:13

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines hope as “to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true.”

We have developed a close relationship with hope through our marriage. Last Christmas was very special for us. It was our first Christmas as parents. For many years we found ourselves hoping God would bless us with a child. We wanted children so badly and the holidays made their absence even more pronounced. We would decorate and discuss how much joy a child would bring to our home especially during the holiday season. We would watch parents enjoy their children climbing on Santa’s lap or picking out a Christmas tree and we would hope. We have often turned to scripture through our journey and one verse that has helped and continues to guide us is Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This Christmas we are blessed with two beautiful children. We continue to feel hope, but now it is for their health, happiness, and future. We have learned that hope evolves with our lives.

The Christmas season brings hope for many whether you are a child hoping for a special toy, someone hoping a loved one will return home soon, or a couple hoping for the blessing of a child. Our personal hopes may change from Christmas to Christmas, but as Christians we are able to hold onto the constant hope of God’s gift to us, his son. The Christmas season is about celebrating the birth of Jesus and we have hope for his return.

A couple of summers ago, I was away on a business trip in Kentucky, and my heart was troubled for a friend who was in the midst of turmoil. Hoping to offer some comfort, I wrote my friend a letter, and during lunch, I rushed to the post office to buy stamps. I found a long line, and an elderly woman stood in front of me. We made casual conversation for a few minutes as she explained she was mailing a letter to her great-grandson who lived in Texas. She said that she didn’t get to see him often, but she wanted him to know that he was special and loved. I relayed my purpose in mailing my letter—my concern for this friend who was making really tough choices. We continued our chat until she reached the clerk’s window, where she turned to me and said: “I enjoyed talking to you. You know, when God gives us a drink of living water, we’d be foolish not to take it.” At first, I was taken aback by her remark, as we had not talked about spiritual matters, but as I made my way back to work, the ageing woman’s wisdom began to resonate with me.

How did she know that I needed a drink of “living water,” a reminder that God is in control and our cares are His cares? Our hope is in him, his words, his comfort; and the knowledge that we are his loved and special children should replenish us every day. That “living water” surrounds us on a daily basis; it’s the gentle reminder that our Savior is amidst our storms; it’s the people that we cross paths with who remind us that we serve a living, risen Savior who walks beside us. Do you need a drink?

Mark 1:3
Jeremiah 23:5
Micah 5:2
Isaiah 9:6

Mark 1: 3, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’”

The easiest characters to miss in the Christmas story are the characters who are not physically there: the prophets. Although they all died centuries before Jesus’ birth, God still uses them to remind us that the story of Christmas is part of a larger story of God’s interaction with humanity. These prophets of old bring to us the basis for hope and the promises that make hope real.

Prophecies are found throughout the Old Testament. One theme that threads its way through many prophecies is the HOPE of a promised Messiah, an “Anointed One” who will redeem God’s people and restore all things. The promises of God through the prophets brought hope to God’s people in Old Testament days, and those promises concerning the Messiah bring increasing clarity of God’s promises to us today. Jeremiah 23:5 says the Messiah will be a descendent of David, and Micah 5:2 announced that he will be born in Bethlehem. The prophets from the Old Testament are still a part of the Christmas Story. From the wilderness, they gave God’s people the hope of a coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:6 says he would be called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” These prophecies provide us with confidence and hope that God fulfills every promise he makes.

One of the most important gifts we can give to another person this Christmas season is the gift of hope. We, as servants of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, are to share the good news of hope that we have found in Jesus, the Son of God. Make hope real to someone this Christmas season!

My prayer is that others will find that HOPE is REAL and that it comes from God. He has placed hope in our hearts, and it is ours for the taking and sharing with others. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Isaiah 64:4-8
Hebrews 11:1

We say, “I hope” a lot, especially around the holidays. I hope all the family can get together this year. I hope I don’t overcook the turkey. I hope I can get everything done on my ‘To Do’ list. I hope I get that special gift I have been hinting about.

What we really mean is, “I wish.” ‘I wish’ is based on our desires, the ingenuity of ourselves or others motivated towards pleasing us, and maybe some luck or Jolly St. Nick involvement.

Hebrews 11:1 teaches us that real hope is brought about by faith, and FAITH is only as potent as the object of our faith. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1).

Being certain of God is the hope that sustains us in all times.

Five Christmases ago, I was facing the first of my major cancer surgeries, and, quite frankly, hoping to make it until the next Christmas season. I hoped to watch my little granddaughter, aged 1 ½ years, open gifts and hear the Baby Jesus story again and again. I was hoping in the ONE who can provide hope.

I am still asking God for more Christmases, and I am so very thankful that I am approaching this advent season with FIVE beautiful grandchildren. I am thankful for the God of whom Isaiah spoke: “From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 64:4).

We hope in a God who loves us enough to send a savior, to meet us with grace at even the hardest places in our lives. He did it out of LOVE. The God of eternity entered in. He always does.

My hope goes beyond Christmas seasons to the ORIGIN of Christmas: The Christ child volunteered to go to the cross for you and me. Let us live our days in a way that says to Him, “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8).