In the second week’s message in my series on the Christmas miracles, we look at how hope played a role in the Christmas story.
Hope in the Christmas Story
We begin at the very beginning and look at why we need the hope that was born at Christmas. From the story of Adam and Eve’s removal from the Garden of Eden, we learn how they hoped the Lord would rescue them and return them to paradise. As time went on, we see the entire world waiting with bated breath for a Savior. Moses, David, Joseph, Jeremiah, and Isaiah all waited for the Messiah. Still, none lived to see the hope fulfilled. Then came Savior’s birth in Bethlehem. We know the story of the birth of our King, and now our hope is on His return to take us home with Him.
The people of the story
Elizabeth
Now, let’s look at some people in the Christmas story. I love the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth in the Gospel of Luke. Elizabeth is Mary’s cousin. When Mary receives the news from the Angel Gabriel, she heads off to visit Elizabeth. In her heart, Mary knows Elizabeth will believe and understand this miraculous story because of Zachariah and Elizabeth’s faith in the coming Messiah. Elizabeth’s reaction to Mary’s arrival displays the hope of promises fulfilled.
“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”
Luke 1:41-45 NIV.
Mary and Joseph
And Mary and Joseph display another example of hope. They trusted God from the announcement of the pregnancy to the birth and beyond. With only meager means of support, their hope rested on God to provide for them. God rewarded them for their faith and hope. The Inn Keeper provided a stable when everywhere else had no room for the young couple. The gifts from the Magi provided support for the early years of Jesus’ life. This also allowed them to flee to Egypt to avoid King Herod’s rage against the prophecy fulfilled.
The Shepherds
Also, the shepherds displayed hope after hearing the choir of angels announce the birth of Jesus. Their hope came as they left their sheep behind to go and worship the newborn king. But, on that Holy Night, they put their hope in God for their livelihood to go and seek their Savior. Though the sheep don’t get mentioned in the Bible, I’m sure the Heavenly Shepherd kept them all safe that night like He does for His human flock.
The hope for each of us
Many of the Christmas carols we sing today talk about the hope of Christmas. One of my favorite hymns is O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam. The song shows us a weary world waiting in anticipation for the miracle of Christmas to restore us. So never give up. Jesus still offers us hope as we await His second coming.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!
Prayer
Dearest Jesus. This year has been challenging, and we have missed out on so many things. Let us look towards Christmas day with eternal hope for the things to come. Heal our lands along with our friends and families. Protect us today and let the new year be full of enjoyable times. Amen.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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