This past Sunday, we wrapped up our series Hope is Born! I must admit, when I think about the future, hope is not always the first word that comes to mind. It seems that the world is sliding down a steep slope into the abyss of hopelessness. It may seem sad that in a world full of advanced medical treatments for treating diseases, AI (artificial intelligence) for practically every form of manual labor, and knowledge, information and understanding accessible to more people on our planet than ever before through the world wide web … and yet, our world is slowly disintegrating and dissolving into a feverish mass of humanity at war for its very survival. We find ourselves on the cusp of nuclear war, environmental disaster, global economic collapse, interpersonal conflicts, gender dysphoria and more!
It is into that world that HOPE is proclaimed! Jesus is the Hope of the World! It is not more information, although knowledge is good. The world does not need peace, because there will always be wars and rumors of wars. The world does not need to be saved through the new green deal or the transition away from fossil fuels. Those have benefits, but they are not the answer to the world’s pain and suffering. The world does not need new trade policy or even a new human rights manifesto providing for all human choice and freewill. It seems at every turn, someone is telling us what the problem is and the best solution for today! But Jesus said …
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?
Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:26
The only hope you have, I have, the world has … is in the Christ child born in a manger. That innocent child who would grow up to be the sacrifice for the sins of all who would believe on Him. That is hope! That is the anchor of my life and yours! The more desperate our world becomes, the more it longs for truth. I pray it will also be more open to the truth of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him
should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the
world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 3:16–17
Take some time this Christmas to reflect upon the one and only one who gives you hope in the midst of this hapless and hopeless world. Pray that in the coming year, hope would be found by those whom you love and care deeply about. Spend a few moments reflecting upon the words of this hymn …
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less (Edward Mote - 1834)
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Chorus – On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. Chorus
His oath, his covenant, his blood, support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay. Chorus
When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found: dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. Chorus
Have blessed and Merry Christmas!
-Pastor Jerry