The Meaning of Christmas is Hope

Jesus’ coming is hope fulfilled and hope assured. Christmastime is my favourite time of year. The carols, the traditions, the spirit and celebration with family is all a part of that. But more central to my love of Christmas is the wonder, and possibility; the mystery and glory of Christ’s entrance into the world because it gave us a reason to hope. One of the central themes of Christmas is hope. What are you hoping for this Christmas?

Maybe like Kevin, from Home Alone , you’re hoping your family disappears —-kidding (but sometimes this time of year brings about conflicts and challenge and awkward moments)

Maybe like Ralphie, from A Christmas Story, you’re hoping for an official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle, with a compass in the stock (or your version of an official Red Ryder carbine action 200 shot….).

Or maybe you’ll be wandering around the stores on Christmas Eve, like Howard from Jingle All The Way. Making a futile effort to fulfil someone else’s hopes while sales associates laugh at you.

Hope is a funny thing. The Bible tells us that hope that goes unfulfilled (or deferred) make us feel bad, but when it’s fulfilled it gives life (Proverbs 13:12).

So when is hope given? When is it fulfilled? Jesus answers both of those tall orders. Jesus brought hope with him for all generations, and He is hope fulfilled for previous generations; many of whom had waited or prayed for His coming. For them, he was fulfilment. For us, He is the hope of the world assured through his work on the cross.

Hope was given as a gift from God in Jesus. A baby. The Word became flesh. Simeon realized this to be true:

 Luke 2:25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him.34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.

This ignites hope in me, I hope it does for you as well. It starts with the miraculous, hidden and vulnerable act of a baby born into this world, to make a way of return for all people to God their Father. Our earthly desires and hopes are rightly overshadowed by all of this.

So this week let’s consider our Christmas hopes. Are they inward, or for the benefit of others? Are your hopes and mine wrapped up in shiny Christmas paper, or the swaddling clothes of Jesus Christ; born in a manger in Bethlehem?

In the rush of the next few days to enjoy family and friends, take a few moments to ponder hope. Maybe right now...here is song to help us focus on baby Jesus as we consider our Christmas hopes.

For the traditionalist like me: A Cradle In Bethlehem sung by Nat King Cole

if you prefer a more modern vibe I love Sara Groves version here: A Cradle In Bethlehem.