Introduction
Welcome back to our Advent series. Last week, we delved into the profound call to Advent. In Week 1 of our Advent series, we explored the fundamental concept of Advent as a season of spiritual preparation. The focus was on understanding Advent as a call to believers to engage in a time of reflection and anticipation, creating a sense of expectation for the celebration of the birth of Christ. The introductory week set the stage for a journey that encourages believers to embrace the significance of waiting and preparing their hearts for the joyous Christmas season. This week, our focus shifts to a theme that holds profound significance for as many who find solace and strength in their faith: hope. For believers, hope is not merely a concept but a transformative force. It’s the unwavering assurance that, no matter the challenges we face, our hope is anchored in the promises of God. As we venture into the expectation of hope, we will explore the Nativity narrative, uncovering how the arrival of Jesus fulfills ancient prophecies. This event kindles a flame of hope that has withstood the test of time, passing through generations with enduring significance.
The Hope in the Christmas Story
Hope is the profound belief that the future holds the promise of better things, that even in the face of adversity, there exists a source of strength and renewal. The Christian hope is a foundational and profound aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the promises of God as revealed in the Bible. It is characterized by a confident expectation and anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s promises, both in this life and in the life to come. In the context of the Nativity narrative, we discover the fulfillment of age-old prophecies that brought a profound sense of hope to the people of Israel. In Isaiah 7:14, Prophet Isaiah prophesied, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy, centuries before the birth of Christ, set the stage for a hope that would be realized in the most extraordinary way. Micah 5:2 says, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” This prophecy by Prophet Micah specifies Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. These prophecies, among others, serve as a testament to the divine plan throughout the Old Testament, pointing forward to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In Jeremiah 31:15, we read about the mourning described by Jeremiah about an event that also took place after the birth of Jesus, “This is what the Lord says: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'”
As believers, we find our hope grounded in the fulfillment of these prophecies. The Gospel of Matthew records the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, stating, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:22-23). In Matthew 2, we read about the fulfilment of the prophecy by Micah (Mathew 2:5-6) and Jeremiah (Mathew 2:17-18). This fulfillment underscores the significance of Jesus as the long-awaited Savior and the culmination of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The Nativity narrative with its angelic announcements (Mathew 1:20-25) and the humble shepherds with a guiding star (Mathew 2:1-12), unfolds a story that goes beyond the ordinary. It is a story of divine intervention, a manifestation of God’s promise to His people. The birth of Jesus is the embodiment of hope realized, a beacon of light that shines through the darkness, offering redemption and eternal promise.
Conclusion
In embracing the Christian hope embedded in the Nativity narrative, believers not only celebrate a historical event but also partake in a profound spiritual experience. Pause and consider your own aspirations and dreams. What fuels your motivation and keeps you moving forward? As you navigate your unique journey, let the spirit of Christmas encourage you to intertwine your personal hopes with the overarching theme of hope embedded in the narrative of Christ’s birth. This hope extends beyond the manger in Bethlehem; it encompasses the promise of salvation, the assurance of God’s presence, and the anticipation of a future glory. As you reflect on the Nativity narrative, may the Christian hope within it inspire you to navigate your individual journey with steadfast faith, knowing that the promises of God are fulfilled in His perfect time.
Closing Prayer
Salvation Prayer (say this prayer of confession if you desire to dedicate your life to God and trust Him to be Lord over your life): Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner in need of a savior. I am sorry for living my life following the will of my flesh and my sinful nature. I renounce my covenant and longing for a glorified sinful lifestyle. I proclaim that all my heart desires are the things of God. My Lord and my God, I want to do your will. Forgive me for every time I have tried to initiate or impose my will as your will for my life. Come into my life afresh and make me whole again. I believe you, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, died on the cross, bore my sins, and rose again that I might become the righteousness of God. I accept this invitation to become a child of God. Holy Spirit, come into my life and guide me in all truth. Teach me the ways of the Father as I study scripture. My good God and Heavenly Father, show me where you are already at work in my life and give me a willing and obedient heart to join you in fulfilling your will at your timing, walking in your way at your command, and abiding in a continual fellowship with you. So help me, God. Amen
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)
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Till next time, Shalom!
