Where Is Your Hope?

Dec 2, 2021

“The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity–hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory–because at the Father’s will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross.”

- J.I. Packer

Hope. It’s the core of what we believe. The foundation of what we celebrate in December. The only thing we have to hold onto in a dark, scary world. Hope is Jesus.

Merriam-Webster defines hope as “to expect with confidence” or “to desire with expectation of fulfillment.” What are you expecting with confidence? Where are your greatest desires for fulfillment? With every expectation, there is a certain something we have confidence in. And it is during the advent season that we have a unique chance to reflect on this question: where does your hope lie?

Mary, the young, faithful mother of Jesus could have put her hope in so many things. She could have put her hope in appearances, upholding the societal standards and attempting to be a perfect wife to Joseph. Those hopes would have been dashed when she found herself pregnant out of wedlock. She could have put her hopes in her own control and strength to withstand any struggle, which quickly would have shattered when she faced shame, unexpected pregnancy, and potential death. She could have put her hope in ease and enjoyment of life, but we quickly see that her story is anything but easy. Instead, Mary doesn’t fall for the fleeing hopes of this world. She sets her eyes on eternity.

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,

7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

- Luke 2:5-7

Mary put her hope in Jesus. She held her baby boy, she remained faithful to what God had called her to, and she confidently expected for her son to fulfill the plans that God the Father had for Him. And her hopes were not disappointed. She watched the fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies. She saw the world being saved. She put her hope in the right place - in the one place that would never disappoint.

Where is your hope this December?

The world is full of idols that are constantly vying for attention, hoping that they’ll be the basket we throw all of our metaphorical eggs into. Is your hope resting in finally getting that promotion? In acquiring the relationship you’ve always wanted? In seeing that holiday bonus hit the checking account?

What happens when the promotion doesn’t come? Or the relationship doesn’t fix your crippling insecurities? Or when more money doesn’t magically erase that deep feeling of emptiness?

Friend, it will all disappoint. Maybe not right now, maybe not for a while, but in the eyes of eternity, any hopes of this world don't hold a candle to the hope of sweet baby Jesus.

He is the one forever thing that will win every battle, climb every mountain, and destroy every doubt. Jesus Christ is the only hope that will never disappoint.

Ask yourself, your kids, your family today: Where does your hope lie in this advent season? Are you ready to put your hope in Jesus? We can reflect on the fruition of hope through baby Jesus, and look ahead with confidence at his return. We can have a hope that will never fail.

This hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.