What does hope mean for you?
As we continue in this Season of Advent, we watch, wait, and pray for the coming of Jesus. In many churches, an Advent wreath celebrates the emotions and actions we feel and do this season–hope, peace, joy, and love. What does hope mean for you?
For our children’s time at church, this Sunday, I shared a brief message about hope. I asked the children what hope means to them. They are “hoping” for snow, as well as wishes for presents in this season of giving.
What do we, as grown-ups, hope for? Safety and good health for our families? Adequate income to live a comfortable life? The ability to complete our purpose in life?
Help in knowing our purpose?
But back to hope . . .
What if hope is something greater than our wants and desires? For believers, hope is deeper than wishing–it’s the foundation of our faith in our heavenly Father. (For an informative and inspirational article on hope, please check out this post from Our Daily Bread).
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
When our hope is in our Lord, it’s based on faith and trust. We have confidence in our Savior’s love and care for us. Followers of Jesus know our Lord is with us every step of our journey.
Christ’s purpose
While I sometimes struggle with my purpose in life, Jesus knew His purpose was to save humankind.
But Jewish people had waited for generations for the promised Messiah. They expected a warrior king to lead their battle to gain freedom from their oppressors.
But God had a different plan. And although Jesus knew His journey to the cross would bring terrible suffering, He accepted the task assigned to Him by His Father.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Jesus gave His life for us. Because of His gift of love, we have the assurance of eternal life.
The God of Hope
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. (Romans15:13)
(As I complete this message, the snow wished for by our children yesterday–and many adults– spreads a blanket of white over our landscape).
We are so blessed!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, my friends.
As is my custom, this is my last blog message for 2025. I treasure this holiday season with my family. I “hope” you will look for my newsletter, coming in 2026!
Katherine, this message is so timely. For the past couple years, I’ve been intentionally shifting my hope from desired circumstances, etc. to hope in the Lord. He always delivers. Merry Christmas!
Annie, your comment is so inspiring for us. I pray others (including me) will be encouraged by your example. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Without hope, we find despair. Hope is such an important part of our faith. Thanks Katherine and Merry Christmas
Yes, Yvonne, without hope we are lost. “Those who hope in the LORD shall renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31). In this season of hope we receive the gift of love and our hope for eternal life. We are so blessed. Merry Christmas!
Katherine, thanks for this message of hope that the entire world needs. Merry Christmas!
Our prayers matter, don’t they, Barbara? Thank you for your messages of hope, peace, and love shared through your writing. May 2026 be a year of blessing for you.
Merry Christmas, Katherine. Thank you for your message of hope.
Thank you, Diana. I’m grateful for your ministry of hope and love. Wishing you continued blessings in 2026.