I’ll be honest, I’d never really thought about what happens from the time I add Bertie Botts Ever Flavor Beans, a case of Italian Flour, AA batteries, and the newest book by Annie F. Downs to my Amazon cart. I just hope it gets to me fast. My youngest had a recent field trip to Honeywell, which engineers the robots and mechanical sorting systems that make sure all those items we order online get to our houses correctly and in time. Now that I’ve seen the inner workings, I realize hope isn’t really the right word. I know my order will arrive quickly. You should see those robots!
Seeing how it all works was particularly interesting, because, let’s just say I checked a few things off my “nice” list with a few clicks on my trusty Mac. As a result I keep eyeing the front porch or the sketchy car in my driveway as someone I’ve never seen before approaches, thinking I hope …the sweater I ordered for Maguire to wear on Christmas is the right size, the sweatshirt I got for Mallory is super soft, I intercept the gift I ordered for Brett before he spies it on the doorstep.
Christmas time is full of hope.
When my kids were little they had wish lists of things they hoped Santa would leave under the tree. They hoped they’d be the first to find Frosty, our resident Elf on the Shelf, each morning, and for the jingle of bells from Nana’s front porch signaling a special guest appearance from Santa. They’re older now and hope for mornings they can sleep in under thick blankets, and that if we make a coffee run they’ll get a sweet peppermint mocha or cocoa topped with extra creamy whipped cream. What are you hoping for this Christmas?
That first Christmas? Can you imagine how thick and desperate hope was in the air? Although the Bible doesn’t specifically say, I imagine when Mary found out she was pregnant with God’s son, she must have hoped with every cell of her body that Joseph would believe her, that he wouldn’t walk away from their betrothal, leave her to be a single mom. In her day that meant she’d be an outcast and most likely homeless. When Joseph heard Mary’s news and decided to go through with the whole marrying her thing, despite her umm condition, I’m guessing he hoped people wouldn’t talk too much, that society would still accept him and his wife, that he would still get carpentry work. At that time Rome was in charge of the people of Israel and life was oppressive. Royalty and rulers were rich, and the poor were impoverished. Laws were harsh. Taxes were high. Life was exhausting. And God? He’d promised a Messiah for centuries. Four hundred years had passed since the prophet, Malachi, had put down his pen. The Jewish nation was desperate, and they were hoping for God to make a move.
And God came through in the most glorious of ways. He sent Jesus. Hope of the world.
I used to get frustrated when I was young and asked my parents what they wanted for Christmas. They’d answer, “I don’t need anything.” Now I get what they meant. I don’t need anything. But I still have things I hope for. I hope my mother-in-law’s move goes smoothly, that she really finds joy in her new home. I hope my kids don’t get too stressed during their exam weeks, that we all get to spend quality time together as a family over Christmas break, that a friend who recently lost his job finds peace and security.
But I don’t just hope these things. I realize that’s not the right word. I know these things are in good hands. Not because of robots or sophisticated sorting systems. But because my hope is in Jesus. And I can count on Him.
We don’t need advanced technology to fulfill our spiritual list of hopes, translation—prayer requests. We have a Savior we can rely on—who will always be here for us. Until the end of the days. The people I care about are in Jesus’ hands. And He loves them so, I can be assured He will give them the opportunities and rest they need, if they’ll let Him. I can be certain peace and joy are available to everyone I’m praying for. And I can exhale, knowing my loved ones are in the very best hands.
“My hope is found in nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I do not trust the sweetest frame. But wholly lean on Jesus’ name,” goes the old hymn.
All of Israel was hoping that night over 2000 years ago. And then Jesus showed up. In a barn. To a peasant teenager. I doubt anyone guessed things would go down like that. But maybe they should have, because God promised it would be so. God told the prophets how He would save them. God promised a Savior from the lineage of David, to be born in Bethlehem, to a virgin. And when Jesus came He checked all of those boxes, fulfilled every promise. Because that’s who God is. God consistently delivers what He promises. Who the Israelites had long been hoping for came. Jesus is hope.
So, yes, let’s put our hope in Jesus this Christmas. But let’s redefine hope as not something we’re crossing our fingers for, but something we’re trusting God to do at exactly the right place and time. This most likely won’t look how we envision it. Many of the Jews were hoping for a strong military commander or a rich and mighty king. Jesus is strong, He does command authority, and man, is He mighty, but when Jesus showed up as a baby, people struggled to see all of that, to connect the dots.
It wasn’t that God had mixed up the packages or the addresses. Nope. God has 0% error. He kept His promise. He always does. Always will. So let’s live in expectant hope this Christmas, of all of the promises Jesus will keep—to love, cherish, redeem, rescue, and stand by us, forever more. Let’s keep our eyes wide open like little kids on Christmas morning, believing Jesus will do what He said He would do, not just wanting Him to be, but fully believing that He IS the hope of the world.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for. The evidence of things not seen.”—Hebrews 11:1
What are you hoping for this Christmas? How will you trust Jesus with your hope?
—Taken from a previously published blog by Laura L. Smith at www.laurasmithauthor.com. Used by permission from the author.
26 Responses
I’m believing God for a second chance. Our family has been on a roller coaster ride over the last few years and the pandemic pushed us to the edge. I am believing the dreams God placed in my heart years ago are in the process of happening now. His word says that the enemy fights you the most when you are closest to your destiny. Well we must be at the door. Praying for strength and determination to push the doors open and walk confidently into the next part of our journey….strong, healthy, happy, and together. We know there is so much more that we need to do and we’re committed to being a blessing to others however we can. I’m "speaking" it into existence today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!!!
Tina, I am so grateful for your vulnerability and honest thoughts as you process the last few years. The Lord is so faithful in His desire to recover and restore. I pray that over you, that you will experience a renewal of energy and hope. Thank you for being a part of the GHH community.
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
Co-Host to God Hears Her Podcast
I am grateful and humble I can learn from scripture the true word of God what is really important His promises
So grateful for you Peggy!
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
Co-Host to God Hears Her Podcast
Hope that my sons will remember to keep Jesus in their hearts & turn to him in need. That I will let go of the resentment I am carrying for perceived hurts from family members. To accept my mother for who she is not whom I would like her to be & to make peace with acceptance. For my husband’s health & my sons to return to work. For relief from world wide Covid which has caused so much death, fear, loneliness, stress, and loss. Hope that my love for Jesus grows as the distance I put between us lessens & I always remember to turn to Jesus first. Thy will be done…✝️
Jan, thank you so much for sharing this. What beautiful faith you have in the midst of this season of your life with your family.
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
– Co-host to God Hears Her Podcast
Praying with you Jan!
My hope is for an answer to my prayers. In one way or another. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to have someone to share my life with. To go on this journey of life with all of it’s ups and downs. And at 38, it has yet to happen. I’ve prayed for years for God to bring me someone only he could give me. For the last couple of years though, I’ve followed up that prayer with a “God if marriage is not in your plan for my life, I pray you’d take this desire for it away.” I’m still awaiting an answer one way or another. I hope and pray for an answer.
Thank you Angela for such raw and real honesty! We join you in prayer that you will experience an overwhelming comfort from the Father. Your prayer of surrender and open hands is inspiring to others.
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
– Co-host to God Hears Her Podcast
What a wonderful message for the beginning of this Advent season. There is a lot that I am hoping for and I am putting my hope and trust in Jesus. Thank you so much for brightening my day.
Amen, Thank you for this reminder Gayle!
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
Co-Host to God Hears Her Podcast
Yes! Let’s put our trust in Jesus! For all things!
As I sit here on my sofa, pretty much immobile after a bad fall, I feel a resurgence of hope in this devotional. Perhaps God is using my misfortune for His glory.
Debby, we pray over your body, that it would experience relief by the Lords hand on it. Thank you for these words!
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
Co-Host to God Hears Her Podcast
Debbie, praying for your healing! And that you’ll see God’s protection and plan for you every day!
Love these. They are so inspirational. My daughter 38 asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I told her she couldn’t give me what I wanted and she chuckled. Because she knows deep down my gift would be that she and family start going to church. Teaching her kids about Jesus and what really happened on Christmas and then the Easter story. My grandkids hopefully will learn on their own or the little I tell them sinks in.
Kathy, what a beautiful example to demonstrate to your daughter of what truly matters. Our love for the Lord and the family He has blessed us with. SO grateful for you!
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
Co-Host to God Hears Her Podcast
Jesus is after the heart of your daughter and her family–isn’t that beautiful! Thank you, Kathy, for being an example to them about what a life with Jesus looks like!
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, with the pandemic, restrictions, and daily death counts filling the news, I really needed to read this wonderfully written faith-filled article. I do know GOD is in control, but I’m the first to admit, that I can become worn-down and sometimes over-whelmed at all the "bad" news that fills our days. BUT you’ve reminded me, I DON’T have to, I have nothing to fear, as I am the daughter of the one TRUE GOD…
Dianna, thank you for these words. We are so grateful for you in the God Hears Her Community! You ARE the daughter of the ONE TRUE GOD! Amen.
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
Co-Host to God Hears Her Podcast
To have a continuous walk with my LORD. And to become more like Him everyday.
Yes and amen Ruby!!
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
Co-Host to God Hears Her Podcast
Me, too, Ruby! Me, too!
I totally needed to read this today. Yesterday the topic at my church was about Jesus being our hope. It was a good sermon, but when I read these words, it hit home. Today the times are like they were back then and believers in Christ are looking for His return. He is our Hope and this One is also our Peace.
Thank you for sharing this Deanna! We are so grateful you and these words!
Please join our women’s prayer group and let us know how we can cover you in prayer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065571583891975
Eryn
Co-Host to God Hears Her Podcast
Deanna, I love it when God puts the same idea in front of my several times. So grateful He is our Hope!