Hope at Christmas

Remember how it felt to be a child on Christmas Eve? You were sent off to bed wearing new red and green striped pajamas. The neighbor’s twinkling Christmas lights were peeking through the edges of your curtains. The anticipation of the morning ahead was enough to keep you tossing and turning in your bed for hours. You waited for what felt like centuries, and as soon as daylight peeked into your bedroom, you shot out of bed. Christmas had arrived!

For what was actually centuries, God’s people waited for the Messiah. God used Isaiah to foretell of His arrival. He would be born a baby and would rule the nations. His names would display His character. He would be the “Wonderful Counselor” who was here to equip His nation with righteousness. He would be “Mighty God,” performing miracles only God is capable of. He would be “Everlasting Father,” a distinct figure of the Trinity, yet fully and completely the eternal God. He would be the “Prince of Peace,” the sovereign ruler over all nations.

Seven hundred years after Isaiah spoke those words, the angel reminded Mary that God is faithful to do what He says. It’s hard to wait a few weeks for Christmas; can you imagine waiting seven hundred years? God’s timing is always perfect, though, and the baby was born to a virgin just as promised (Matthew 1:23). He was called Immanuel, which means “God with us”—the most wonderful name of all. God came to be with us; Jesus came to earth, He lived a perfect life, He died an undeserved death, and He rose again. We only have relationship with the Father because of Jesus’ life on earth.

Because Jesus came to be with us, God remains with us always. He is here to help us and to lead us in an abundant life on earth. God desires to be involved in our lives, directing and guiding us through His Scriptures. God is our only source of hope; our hope remains because we trust that He is coming back! The Messiah will return to earth to live with us and to rule over all nations. We will be restored to the fullness of His creation and sit as heirs to His kingdom.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us be reminded of the hope that is found in Christ alone. We have waited almost two thousand years for Christ to return, but God is a keeper of His word, and His timing is always perfect. As you gather with friends and family this Christmas, share this truth with all of them. Christ is coming back to take His throne, and those who have placed their faith in Him will be glorified. Just as a child eagerly awaits Christmas morning, let’s choose to eagerly anticipate Christ’s return!