Hope is in the air around us this time of year. Hope for a wonderful Christmas season. Hope for the love of Christ Jesus, born in Bethlehem, to shine in everyone. Hope for the health of loved ones. Hope for family members and friends to reconcile. Hope that those traveling for the holidays arrive safely.
Hope keeps us going when life is difficult. Hope is the fire that lights our lives. Hope, coupled with faith, can move mountains. Hope lets us rest secure. Hope gets us up in the morning, ready for a new day.
Hope compelled the shepherds to follow the angels’ herald to Bethlehem. They went to see Jesus with Mary and Joseph. The shepherds returned with hope, now coupled with faith.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord”(Luke 2:10-11)
Hope is what the Magi had as they followed a star to Bethlehem and found Jesus. “When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage.” (Matthew 2:10-11)
The last verse of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” expresses hope for us all: “O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel!”
God is with us, Immanuel. I pray that, in the midst of life, whatever that may be for you now, God will give you hope for each new day and glad tidings this Christmas season.
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You All!
Pastor Mike
Leave a Reply