There are certainly a lot of things we can hope for in our current climate. I hope this newest virus surge begins to abate. I hope no more of those that I love will be affected by COVID-19. I hope 2021 is less dramatic. I hope we can soon “put this all behind us.”
But honestly, I know that none of those things that I hope for are guaranteed. The surge may well continue to grow exponentially. Many more people, even possibly I, will be afflicted with COVID-19. 2021 will likely not be much different than 2020. And at this point, I don’t really even know what “putting this all behind us” can possibly look like.
Still, we hope
But still, we can — and should — have hope! We just need to place our hope in the right place. There is a space between hoping in our circumstances and feeling hopeless because of our circumstances. Thankfully, we do not have to fall into either ditch. We can stand on the firm Rock of Jesus.
The Bible says we should hold fast to the hope that we have before us — and that the hope we have is like a sure and steadfast anchor for our souls. Because Jesus has entered the holy place on our behalf. We can hold fast to that hope which steadies us when we feel that our feet may slip. Jesus has come. Jesus has become the sacrifice. Jesus will return to rule and reign.
Christmastime hope
If your house is anything like mine, there is much talk of Christmas-y things from the kids. I love how much our kids love Christmas. They love the traditions. They love the lights. They love the decorations. They love the cookies. And the candy canes. And getting to sing Christmas carols and “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.
And the presents. Shhhh. Don’t read that one too loudly. They might hear you.
As our children excitedly hope for Christmas to come — and hope for that special present they keep conspicuously inserting into nearly every conversation — let’s remind them of all that we can truly hope in. Our circumstances this year are oh so different than ever before. Sickness and isolation and division and scarcity are all around. But our Hope is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our hope is Jesus. He has come, and He is coming again.
