This year is quickly coming to a close and as I reflect back on the past months it seems I had more hope at the beginning of the year. I had more hope that the recession would be ended by now. I had more hope that the war in Afghanistan could be won. I had more hope that those at the opposite ends of the political spectrum could be at peace with one another.
None of the above things that I have mentioned seem to be better now than they were at Christmas time last year. But then I begin to understand that dwelling on Christmas seems to be the key to true hope. True hope does not originate with my government or even with my country. True hope originates in the namesake of Christmas and is really the only reason we have the event. He is the same one whose birth is talked about in the Christmas story.
" In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:1-14, ESV)
I pray that you personally know Jesus Christ and that our celebration of Him at this time of year brings you new life and the true hope that can only be found in Him.