Hope

What does it mean to hope? Is it a wish? A desire?

This season is called a season of Hope. Why?

People have been putting up their Christmas decorations, sooner than usual. I believe that is because Covid-19 has caused depression and the decorations have added cheer. As lovely as the sparkle of the season is; tinsel, trees, and presents do not fill a sad heart. What do we really hope for? Is it to win the lottery? Get married? Attain that dream job? Or is it a peace that carries us through each day, giving us security and happiness?

In this pandemic, we can place our hope in a living God who cares for us, deeply. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT. Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, in a manger. Luke 2:7. This baby wasn’t just any baby, but God in the flesh. John 1:14. During his ministry on earth, Jesus showed his love by healing many people of sickness and disease but, mostly, by dying on a cross, in our place, for our sins. Romans 5: 6-21.

No human is capable of being perfect. We all sin and need forgiveness. When we recognize that Jesus in the Son of God and ask him to forgive our sins, he is faithful to do so. We receive the Holy Spirit and he starts to change us, a little every day, as we submit to God’s will. God promises that he will never leave us or abandon us and tells us he has plans for our future. Jeremiah 29:11.

We have a choice: to seek him or go our own way. The lights on the tree and the candles in the window are all symbolic of God’s light and love. Jesus is this light and he, alone, can give us joy and peace that is beyond human understanding. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. John 8:12.( ESV) And the peace of God which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:7 (NIV).

Our hope truly rests in the confidence we have in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He has promised internal peace and the hope of a fulfilling future to those who believe in him. John 14:27, Jeremiah 29:11. Jesus tells us, in his Word, that there will always be trouble in this life, but that he has overcome the world, meaning that in the end, death and destruction will be eradicated, forever. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV.

Do you have this hope that Jesus gives? If you want Jesus to be your Savior, say this prayer: Father, God, I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son and that he died for my sins. I am sorry for my sins and and ask you to forgive me and that Jesus be my Lord and Savior. May your Holy Spirit help me to love and obey you, for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you my know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. Ephesians 1:18