Hope

I'm talking about hope on Sunday as we begin WE Christmas. Check out the daily devotional guide at www.wechristmas.com. Here are a few thoughts on hope.

Thanksgiving is late this year. As late as it could possibly be. And until last week the weather was wonderful. It just doesn’t seem like the season of Advent and Christmas is beginning. I haven’t heard a Christmas song yet on the radio. Although that is not too surprising since I usually listen to sports talk radio or NPR.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is O Holy Night. I’m not skilled enough to sing it well, or any other Christmas song for that matter, but listening to somebody sing O Holy Night well is a real blessing. Part of the song goes like this: 

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, 

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 

In this short verse, we discover a truth about humanity and a truth about God.

The truth about humanity is that we live in a weary world. Watch the news or observe the world. You’ll understand what I am talking about. People are tired, worn-out, and discouraged. Emotionally, financially, physically, relationally, and spiritually – it is difficult to be healthy and whole in all areas of life. Sometimes life is tough. Sometimes life is really tough. 

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28 

The truth about God is that God’s hope is as real as the sun that becomes visible when the new day starts and the night vanishes. Yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. –Psalm 39:7 

Hope means something like this: In spite of all the evidence to the contrary, we stand on holy and sacred ground because Jesus once walked among us and still does. Hope means God knows us and out of our weariness God rescues us so that we can become the person God created us to become. Hope means that our pain and mourning and confusion will be overcome by God’s grace, healing, and salvation. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. –Romans 15:13 

Culture teaches us that the holidays are about parties and presents and lights. All these are good. But at the core of Christmas, better things exist. And the first of these is hope. 

I look forward to discovering, embracing, and living out the rest of God’s gifts with you during this season of Advent and Christmas. 

Craig