Have you ever hung a “Hope” ornament on your Christmas tree or sung carols about hope without really considering what it means?
As we enter the Advent season, let us to pause and reflect on a profound truth: Jesus delivered our hope at just the right time. This isn’t just a nice sentiment – it’s a life-changing reality that can transform how we approach this Christmas and beyond.
The Foundation of Our Hope
Our hope as Christians isn’t a vague wish or a fleeting feeling. It’s rooted in something far more substantial – our faith in Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:1-2:
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith[b] into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God (CSB).”
This hope isn’t just a strong wish; it’s an absolute assurance based on who God is and what He has done. When we put our faith in Christ, we’re declared righteous before God. This justification by faith gives us access to God’s grace and a rock-solid foundation for hope.
Hope in the Midst of Trials
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Paul doesn’t just talk about hope in the good times. He goes on to say in Romans 5:3-4:
“And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope (CSB).”
I know what you’re thinking – rejoice in afflictions? That sounds crazy! But Paul is teaching us a profound truth. Our trials, when viewed through the lens of faith, can actually strengthen our hope. They build our endurance, shape our character, and ultimately deepen our trust in God.
Think about it – if you were to make a “thankful turkey” craft today, listing things you’re grateful for, would you include afflictions? Probably not! But Scripture repeatedly tells us that these challenges can work for our good, driving us to lean more fully on God.
Hope Delivered in Our Helplessness
Here’s the beautiful part of the gospel – our hope isn’t dependent on our own strength or goodness. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:6-8:
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (CSB).”
At just the right time – when we were utterly helpless and opposed to God – Jesus came. He didn’t wait for us to clean up our act or prove ourselves worthy. While we were still His enemies, Christ died for us. That’s the essence of the Christmas story we celebrate!
Hope Perfected in Jesus
Our hope isn’t just about past forgiveness; it’s an ongoing reality. Paul concludes in Romans 5:9-11:
“How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation (CSB).”
If God reconciled us when we were His enemies, how much more will He be for us now that we’re His children? This gives us confidence not just for eternity, but for our daily walk with Him.
Putting It Into Practice: Walking in Hope This Christmas
So how do we live out this hope during the Christmas season and beyond? Here are some practical steps:
1. Examine your heart: Is the hope Paul describes a reality in your life? If not, why?
2. Walk daily in God’s Word: Let the truths of Scripture shape your perspective and fuel your hope.
3. Receive God’s gift: If you’ve never surrendered your life to Christ, today could be the day you experience true hope.
4. Share the hope: Use the natural opportunities the Christmas season provides to tell others about the hope you have in Christ.
5. Rejoice in hope, even in trials: When facing challenges, remember that God is working to produce endurance, character, and deeper hope in you.
6. Connect with your church family: Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. We’re in this journey of hope together!
This Christmas, let’s not just decorate with hope – let’s live it out. Because in Christ, we have a hope that will never disappoint us.
This blog post was adapted by Molly Atkins from ClearView Baptist Church’s sermon by Family Pastor Jonathan Espy on December 1, 2024. To watch the full sermon, click HERE.
