1 Peter 1:3
Christmas is a time that evokes a myriad of emotions in all of us. For some, it brings up images of family dinners and Candlelight services and it is joyful to its very core. For others, loneliness and sadness bubble to the surface at the thought of loved ones who have passed or family units that are separated or are no more. The joy of the season is no respecter of persons whether one has the ability to embrace it or whether one somehow believes that it has eluded them.
While at times our circumstances may appear less than ideal, there is a broader message of hope that God has given to each one of us. Deep down we know that it's there and the only contingency of us experiencing it is whether or not we let Jesus into those painful places in our hearts that are hurt or are broken. It is His resurrection power that has the ability to defeat every opponent of the Cross: loneliness, fear, disappointment, anxiety, discouragement, unresolved pain, unmet expectations, and anything else that would rob us of the hope that God brings to us.
Interestingly, the very first candle that is lit during the Advent season is the candle of hope. This is to remind us during the Christmas season of the hope God gave when He promised to send us a Messiah, a Savior, and a Deliverer. This promise was fulfilled when Jesus was born, and the rest of God's promises to us will be completed when He returns.
Jesus is the only hope of this world. Even seven hundred years before His birth, Isaiah prophesied of Him, "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this" (Isaiah 9:6-7).
God is zealous to meet our needs during this sacred season. If we need counsel, He will provide. If we need strength, He will provide. If we need peace, He will provide. If we need companionship, He will provide. If we need restoration, He will provide. If we need wisdom and direction, He will provide. There is no need that we can have that God is not able to meet in abundance.
It is His resurrection power that fills our lack. It is His resurrection power that makes the impossible possible. It is His resurrection power that gives us both power and grace (Acts 4:33). Everything we need is found in Him. He is our hope.
Here are some of the promises of hope that God gives to us:
"You will be secure because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor" (Job 11:18-19).
"The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love" (Psalm 147:13)
"Therefore, since we have been justified [acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. Such hope [in God's promises] never disappoints us because God's love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:1-2;5).
This year, in particular, I believe that God is speaking hope into our souls. Many of God's children have experienced difficulties and trials in this last season and some are battle weary. Not one thing that has happened to any of us will be wasted nor turned around for the good. There has been a greater purpose and plan for all that God has allowed into our lives.
Because of this past season, we are stronger and more patient and have learned to endure. In humility we have matured spiritually and developed our character in Christ. Now, we must stand in confidence and in hope with expectancy to see what God will do next.
Do not believe the lies of the enemy that tell you that things will never get better. Do not succumb to discouragement from what you see with your natural eyes. Stay focused on Jesus and invite Him in to every crevice of your heart.
Then, go share that hope with others. Here are the lyrics to Don Moen's song, entitled, Season of Hope:
The prophet told us long ago
A child will come to bring us hope
A star lit up the night to show the way
For all the wise men seeking truth.
The child came as living proof
The Light of all the world still shines today
In a lowly cattle stall
Love was born to save us all.
It's a season of hope, a season of joy
And it all goes back to a Baby Boy
When God reached down and changed the world forever
We can reach out, we can believe.
In the power of love, we can all meet a need
And love can change the world forever
Behind the lights and the Christmas cheer
People try to hide their fear.
Many hungry hearts are lost and cold
But we can be the Light of Christ
Bring some joy to someone's life
And share the greatest story ever told.
Love can change the world, love can change the world
We are His hands, we are His feet
Across a thousand miles or across your street
We are His hands, we are His feet.
Across a thousand miles or across your street
We've got a gift,
Let's give it away
Make a difference today!
Be Blessed This Advent Season And Share Those Blessings!
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