Hope has a Reason
We all have those years when Christmas doesn’t really feel like Christmas—when, for whatever reason, it seems impossible to get into the holiday spirit or experience Christmas with the wonder of a child. Conversely, there are those years when we seem positively possessed by tidings of good cheer and are so consumed by celebrating all the customs of Christmas that we fail to let our hearts be quiet enough to hear the message of the babe in the manager. This year, I find myself somewhere on that spectrum, and together with many around me, I sense an overwhelming thirst for hope.
Hope, as the world defines it, is one of those things that can sound as fluffy and fictitious as the white trim on Santa’s coat. While it can be fun to “believe” in, it ultimately disappoints when real life reveals the hollowness of unfounded idealism. The more we seek “feel good” hope in the things of the world, the more we wonder if such a thing even exists, but exist it does. Against all odds, real, certain, and enduring hope is found in the most unlikely of places.
A few thousand years ago, in a stable in Bethlehem, the fullness of the living God came into this world in the form of a helpless baby to redeem and restore us. Hebrews 6:19 assures us that “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure,” that Jesus has made a way before us to atone for our sins. The second chapter of Ephesians expounds on the beautiful truth that the Messiah brings for those who accept the gift he freely gives: we who were far off have been reconciled and brought near to the Father, hostility has ceased and He is our peace, our alienation is no more and we have been made members of the household of God. While these blessings are by no means exhaustive, they are certainly overwhelming to a heart thirsty for a real, certain, and enduring hope. The beauty of Christmas is the truth that the promises of God are perfectly fulfilled in the Messiah. Hope has a reason and His Name is Jesus.
Whether you find yourself downing in the chaos of the season or erupting with an abundance of good cheer, take time to be still before the Savior and let his truth resonate deep within your heart. Reconnect to the “firm and secure” anchor of your soul. No matter where you are this Christmas, “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.” (Romans 15:13)
Katie Schmidt is the Director of Communications at SSI. She is fascinated by how biblical presuppositions inform history, philosophy, and critical advocacy and enjoys engaging with her community and church, learning news things, and dabbling in creative pursuits.
Disclaimer: The views presented in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the position of the Student Statesmanship Institute. SSI is a non-profit educational organization and provides this blog as a platform for those who have been involved in our program to engage and share thoughts related to current events, issues of the day, and personal experiences, but does not necessarily endorse the content therein.