As a young boy I always hoped I would receive what I asked for at Christmas. My parents allowed us kids to make requests — a tradition I have continued as a parent of my own children — but we wouldn’t know for certain what we would open under the Christmas tree. The older I got, the more outlandish my requests became, including a car I wanted once I turned 16, even though I knew I would never receive one. In other words, my “hope” was misplaced.

Tucked into the story of Jesus being born as the Christ child is the story of an old man who had hoped for an amazing experience his entire life. But unlike my “hopes”, his was not misplaced.

Near the end of Luke 2, we read of a righteous man named Simeon, a man who was “…waiting for the consolation of Israel…” Simeon was one of millions of Jews who believed the Old Testament promises that, one day, God would send His Messiah to earth. Nearing the end of his life, he faithfully went to the temple in Jerusalem, trusting that God would fulfill His promise. On the day it happened, Simeon’s response was one of praise and blessing, delighting in God’s faithfulness.

Are you living a life of hope in words or promises that have never come true? Do you find yourself wondering if your hope has been misplaced?

God’s promises are always fulfilled. Trust in his promises today. Pin your hope on them.

Father in Heaven, thank you that you provide promises that are fulfilled on which we can place our faith and hope. Help me trust that you always provide what I need. Amen.

Go Deeper — How have the things you’ve hoped for at Christmas time changed over the years?

Read Further — The gift of Christ is God’s gift to us. Here are some ideas of how you and your family can give this year without emptying your wallet, and still bring hope to others.



Tags: Hope Luke 2
Photo Credit: Nick West