Without hope this season? Hope is vital to the human spirit. It’s what motivates us, gives us the power to endure through hard times, and thrive in the good ones. Without hope, we die. That is why the birth of Jesus is so important to the Christian’s spirit. Without Jesus, there would be no hope for salvation, no rescue from our deep-rooted sin.
We boast in the hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2). As Christians, our hope is rooted in who God is and what he has done for us. He is a holy God who seeks to lead his wayward children back to him and provide a way home. In this way, God demonstrates his love for us. While we were still sinners, he sent his one and only son into the world to live and die for us (Romans 5:8).
During Christmas, we celebrate not what we have done but rather, what God has done for us. Our hope is not in ourselves, other people, or in the world.
Real hope resides in the fulfillment of the Messiah’s promises and his amazing love for sinners like you and me. Nothing we could ever do could make him stop loving us, and because of Jesus, we can enjoy this Christmas season knowing that our hope is rooted in him.
Holy Lord, thank you for providing a way for us to have a hope that is eternal. This Christmas, let me be hopeful despite what might be going on in my life and realize you are the gift I need. Amen.
Go Deeper — Write the word HOPE on a piece of paper, put it in a box, and wrap it. Place it with your gifts. When you feel down this season, remember that box is always ready for you to open. Even better, give it to a friend who seems down this year, along with a copy of this devotional and a hug.
Photo Credit: Nick West