For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25
The Necessity of Hope
Hope – a simple but powerful word. Hope propels us into the future. It motivates us to move forward and fight harder. It burns like a fire to light the way in the darkness of despair and in the gray gloominess of the storm. It guides like the North star when we have lost our way. When there is hope, there is always a way. Hope can be the difference between life and death. Without hope life is bleak and there is no light to lead the way. The darkness of life can be overwhelming at times and the light of hope is desperately needed.
Jesus came to earth as a tiny baby but that tiny baby brought the light of hope to the darkness. He brought grace, mercy, forgiveness and salvation. He brought hope for our sinful hearts, and without His birth there would be no salvation from sin. We have nothing to bring Him but sin, and He brings us hope and a way out of that sin.
At Christmas we focus a little harder on the hope His birth brought us. It seems that during this time of year everything is amplified. Despair is deeper when it plagues us in the dim glow of Christmas lights. Adversity seems more daunting and the evil in the world more vicious. Nestled somewhere in the midst of all this is a little Christmas joy, happy Christmas songs, parties, programs, and lots of family time. And hope. The hope of the world came wrapped in swaddling clothes, humble and meek. He brought us the hope of salvation in His birth and He gave us the hope of eternal life in His death and resurrection.
I don’t know about you, but I can use some hope, and I know the only place to find it. It doesn’t come with a big bank account. It doesn’t come in a career. It doesn’t come in a relationship with another human being. It only comes from a relationship with that tiny baby born in a stable. Think about the hope He has given the world. Think about the hope He has given you - salvation and a promise of eternal life. Because we have that hope, we can face every day new, and we know the promise of what is to come in eternal life with Him.
I don’t know about you, but I can use some hope, and I know the only place to find it. It doesn’t come with a big bank account. It doesn’t come in a career. It doesn’t come in a relationship with another human being. It only comes from a relationship with that tiny baby born in a stable. Think about the hope He has given the world. Think about the hope He has given you - salvation and a promise of eternal life. Because we have that hope, we can face every day new, and we know the promise of what is to come in eternal life with Him.
Scripture to Claim:
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5
