As nations go through political turmoil, wars, natural disasters and pandemics, hope among their citizens begins to fade. To focus on the real meaning of Christmas, however, gives people hope. They know that Jesus came to earth to allow them to have a relationship with Him and to give those who accept His salvation and believe in Him, an eternal hope.
Luke 2:8-11 (NIV) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Jesus is an unchanging message in changing times. It is a message of hope in a troubled world without hope. It is the message of Christmas in a world intent upon taking Christ out of Christmas. It is a message for us Christians, who, for now, must live in such a world but are not a part of such a world.
One of the priceless treasures of God’s Word is this: We can turn our attention away from such a world and find peace and reassurance in the timeless message the Word of God proclaims. Everything around people may change and fall apart, but when we get into the Word of God, its timeless message is a rock of refuge in a storm-tossed sea.
Now that is the message of Christmas that gives hope. That is the only message that can calm your troubled, distressed, fearful heart in this world of gloom all around you.
At Christmas, God brings us a message of hope.
Isaiah 11:1-3 (NKJV) There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the LORD.
Romans 8:24-25 (NKJV) For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
I conclude with Isaiah 9: 6-7 (NIV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of LORD Almighty will accomplish this.