Advent: Dec. 01 // There is Hope

Christmas is a time of year when many of us reflect, myself included. And sometimes, during those moments of reflection, our joyful celebrations are accompanied by feelings of sadness and weariness, as difficult circumstances come to mind. Maybe you are grieving the loss of a loved one; you might have a stressful financial burden; or perhaps you are dealing with a complicated, painful family situation. Maybe you’re like me and find yourself discouraged over something in your life that feels like it will never change.

1 Peter 1:3-4 says: 

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.

Friend, no matter what you face during this Christmas season, there is hope. We are not promised an earthly life free from hardship and heartache, but all is not lost. We can cling to Jesus and the promises found throughout the Bible when we are in the middle of life’s storms.

You might be familiar with a worship song called “Living Hope,” by Phil Wickham. The chorus goes, “Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free. Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me. You have broken every chain; there’s salvation in your name. Jesus Christ, my living hope.” And that is what Christmas is really about, isn’t it? Hope. 

Hope in a baby, born in a humble town, to save a sinful world. Hope in the Son of God, who lived a perfect life and sacrificed Himself willingly on the cross for you and me. Hope, not in a martyr, but in the One who resurrected from the dead and defeated sin and death. Hope that if we place our faith and trust in Jesus, we will have a heavenly inheritance that will never perish, corrupt or fade. And hope that the King of Kings will return one day to make a new heaven and a new earth, where there will be no more sadness, sickness or pain. What a glorious day that will be!

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, I encourage you to do so today. And if you are feeling burdened this Christmas season, reflect on the promises found in 1 Peter 1:3-4. As believers, our hope is not in this world. We have a living hope found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and whatever comes our way, know that we can firmly stand in Him.

Hope // There is Hope | Jamie Huggins