I always knew Christmas was coming when my mother sat poised with a pen and paper and informed me it was time to write my wish list. She never went into detail about how it found its way to Father Christmas, and I never asked. However, I knew I wouldn’t get everything I wanted. I was told my parents sent Father Christmas a set amount of money, and he decided how to spend it. Once the money ran out, that was it.
My lists were lengthy because I loved surprises. The more I asked for, the less likely I was to know what would be waiting under the tree. It added to the excitement of Christmas Morning. If a particular toy or game didn’t arrive, I’d either wait until my birthday, or ask again the following year. Obviously, I hoped for some things more than for others, but the hoping and wishing combined with the festive excitement.
My parents’ method for handling Christmas with a young child taught me a great deal about hope, which is what we celebrate when we light the first advent candle at the beginning of December. The hope candle is also called the prophecy candle because it represents the Old Testament prophets who anticipated the coming of the Messiah. They shared a message of hope that light would shine during dark times, and this is a message we still share today.
No one knew exactly when Jesus would be born, but those who listened to the prophets understood why he was coming. Sin had created a barrier of separation between God and mankind. Only a perfect sacrifice could break that barrier down and make a way for us to spend eternity in heaven.
Hope is a powerful emotion. Sometimes our hopes are flimsy, and at others, hope overlaps with certainty. If we know Jesus as our Saviour, we have the sure and certain hope of heaven.
Prayer.
Thank You, Jesus, that hope has a name.
Song: Hope has a name by River Valley Worship.
Scriptures to Ponder.
Isaiah 40: 31: “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Romans 15: 13: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”