12 Days Of Christmas: The God Of Hope

Do you remember how the Christmas season felt as a child?

Endless sweets, writing and re-writing Christmas lists, sneaking around the house looking for hidden presents, and crossing off each day on the calendar until the long-awaited “December 25.” December seemed to last so much longer than any other month, as we anticipated the joy of Christmas morning.

What I remember most is the excitement in the air that always appeared on December 1st. It’s funny how as we age it seems that the excitement transforms into other things: stress, busyness, financial strain, etc. When I reflect on childhood Christmases it makes me miss those pure, unadulterated feelings of joy and anticipation. And it makes me wonder -

Why are holidays as an adult so different? Why don’t we feel that childlike wonder?

Perhaps children have a perspective that isn’t yet marred by the darkness of our world. They have a hope that sets its eyes on the good news of Christmas. While good news for a child might just be their most desired present, I think we can learn from this hope, because something about hope brings meaning to our lives. Hoping in something brings a sense of purpose that can override even the hardest of circumstances.

This Christmas we can have hope in the good news that God is with us. We can have a sense of purpose when we know that our hope is in so much more than gifts or Christmas lights. We celebrate the good news shared with us in 1 John 5:11,

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

And we anticipate the return of Christ. Our excitement can come from awaiting full union with our Lord. What would it look like for you to draw on that childlike wonder this Christmas?

How would your holiday season look different if you let go of some of the stressors, and let yourself feel the excitement that is the good news of the gospel?

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 15:13,

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

I pray this Christmas you are filled with excitement and wonder. May the God of Hope give you purpose and joy, even in a year as challenging as 2020.

Cristina Schmitter

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