Christmas: a Time of Hope and Love
Christmas is a time of hope.
When the father of John the Baptist prophesied, he said in part:
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.” [1]
The “sunrise” is Jesus.
- Because Jesus came, tender mercy came.
- Because Jesus came, light came.
- Because Jesus came, peace came.
These three things came with Christ. But they are still available.
- Do you need mercy? It’s available for the asking…through Christ.
- Do you need light? In other words, do you need guidance? It’s available for the asking…through Christ.
- Do you need peace? Is your mind troubled? Peace is available for the asking…through Christ.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [2]
This is one of my favorite passages in all the Bible. This passage promises that every child of God can be completely free of anxiety and will be filled with peace. If you belong to Christ, then you need never have a troubled mind. Ever! Then why do some disciples still experience it? It is because they have a doubt about this promise (or, maybe unfamiliar with the promise…but now every reader knows!). We must trust God that he will take care, fully care, of every matter we bring before him. Believe it and live!
So, Christmas is a time of hope. But Christmas is also a time of love. Consider Joseph.
Joseph loved Mary.
- He travelled to Bethlehem with her.
- He tried to find lodging for her, although all he could find was a manger.
- He cared for her, even though he may have had doubts about her faithfulness (He heard what the angel said to him in a dream, but did he doubt his dream?).
- He loved Jesus as a baby. He took him to the temple to be circumcised.
- He took both Jesus and Mary to Egypt in order to protect them.
Joseph loved Mary and he loved Jesus.
Christmas is a time of love. Mary loved the Lord.
And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation. [3]
- You magnify the one you love. She magnified the Lord.
- You rejoice in the one you love. She rejoiced in the Lord.
- You recognize the good and great things that one you love does for you. She recognized the great things that God had done for her.
- You appreciate the mercy extended to you by the one you love.
Christmas is a time of love. God loves us, if we belong to 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. [4].
A very familiar verse. Let’s not forget that it reveals God’s love for us.
Christmas speaks of love…
- Love for one another,
- Love for God,
- God’s love for us.
This time of year, let us experience God’s love for us in a greater way. Let us love Him more. And, love one another more. Tell someone that you love them.
Why stop when the season is over? Continue hoping and continue loving once Christmas is past. All the days of your life.
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 1:78–79). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Php 4:6–7). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Lk 1:46–50). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jn 3:16). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.