HOPE

“For You are my HOPE, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth” – Psalm 71:5

Let’s take an interlude from our earlier reflections to celebrate the Lord Jesus Christ – Our HOPE and the Reason for the season! Note how Paul introduced his first epistle to his spiritual son, Timothy: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, OUR HOPE” (1Tim.1:1). The birth of Jesus was the Birth of Hope. We have lasting and eternal hope through the salvation we have in Christ. Hope means that even when it looks like it's all over, it's not all over yet. With Christ in the boats of our lives, we can rejoice even through trials and tribulations.

For millions of people, this season, which also coincides with the end-of-year festivities, means nothing more than parties, gifts, decorations, and holiday or time off work. For Christians, however, this time of the year is a wonderful reminder of the HOPE we have because of our Redeemer, Lord, Saviour, and Messiah – JESUS. Before Jesus in Person into the world’s scene, God seemed distant, hidden in the Holy of Holies in the temple, accessible only to the high priest. Worshipers would most likely have wondered whether their sacrifices were acceptable. They might have doubted their salvation. His first coming was preceded by more than four centuries of silence between the Old and New Testament. With His coming came certainty of forgiveness, assurance of salvation, and guarantee of eternity in God’s Presence.

Christ means HOPE – to the diversity of humanity: the poor, the needy, the oppressed, the afflicted, the sick, the distressed, the disappointed, the rejected, the vulnerable, the person out of work, the struggling single parent; even the dying believer. May be you're just slogging your way through the challenges and vicissitudes of life; if you have Jesus, you have hope. And He is not a false hope. He is not a childish fairy tale that you wish will have a happy ending. His birth brought Hope. His life and ministry fulfilled the Law and the Prophets. His death was the sacrifice for our redemption. And when Christ rose from the dead, that ended all argument. Hell had no answer to His Resurrection Power! We are born again “to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet.1:3b). Our hope in Him is solid and real.

I am reminded of the lyrics of one of the classic hymns for this season – “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” the verses of which were penned by Charles Wesley: Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!  Light and Life to all He brings, ris’n with healing in His wings. What glorious words that touch the core of our soul and spirit! What marvellous truths that flood our hearts with hope! Wonderful hope is also found in the clear statements of Scripture: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa.9:6). And again, “In Him was LIFE, and the life was the LIGHT of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (Jh.1:4-5).

The celebration of the birth of Christ is a renewal of that hope. It reconfirms for those whose vision has grown dim that the Light still shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. It is by Him that I was upheld in my mother’s womb; and by Him “I have been upheld from my birth.” The One who “took me out of my mother’s womb” remains my Hope and Stay through time into eternity (Psa.71: 5-6). By Him I “have become a wonder to many” (v.7). I am absolutely certain that He will not “cast me off in the time of old age” or “forsake me when my strength fails” (v.9). Our cases – however complicated – were settled long ago, so we don't have to doubt anymore. Jesus is the fulfilment of our hope; in Him our deepest longings come true!