Dec012009
As we approach the Christmas season, many thoughts come to mind. One of the greatest truths exemplified by the birth of Christ is that the incarnation expresses hope. The time from the end of the Old Testament until the proclamation of Christ’s birth is known as the “four hundred silent years”. During that time, there was no direct message from God to man.
When the angels proclaimed “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12) man was given a message of hope! God had come to earth, veiled in human flesh, to bring His message of salvation. Man cannot do anything but fail without the Lord (John 15:5), but the message of Christmas reminds us that “with God all things are possible” (Mt. 19:26).
Before an individual comes to Christ for salvation, the Bible describes him/her as having “no hope” (Eph. 2:12). With the gift of eternal life comes the ability to “rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2). No matter what difficulties we are forced to face, it is comforting to know that there is hope in Christ.
Beloved, may we find great peace in the message of Christmas. May we come to Mary’s cradle with joy! There is no situation that is too hard for God. The virgin birth is God’s demonstration to the world that He has all power (Mt. 28:18). Christmas is a time for rejoicing in the hope of God!