HOPE – Countdown to Christmas: An Advent Devotional Series

Hi everyone, this is Gabe from Deltona Aluminum.

As the Christmas season has officially started, I wanted to take the time and focus our attention on the Christ-child. To remember what is most important, and for me, personally, to join others around the globe to reflect and prepare our hearts for Christmas day.

For hundreds of years, Christians have traditionally used this time of year to remember four major themes as we lead up to Christmas day: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

In this first of four videos, I want for us to think about Hope.

“Hope” is an interesting concept to us. It often implies that there is something better to come that will change our present reality. Hope lifts our heads when we are downcast; Hope embraces us when we are angry, troubled, or tired; Hope pulls us to a future we want to believe in.

600 years before Jesus was born, a prophet named Isaiah gave these words:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. – Is. 9:6,7

Like the prophets who spoke for hundreds of years before Jesus was born, we ALSO hope for a Messiah to save us from the sin in the world. We anticipate our Savior’s arrival. To right the wrong that prevails… for all oppression to cease.

We can be assured that Christ has brought HOPE by making his dwelling with us and in us. Because He came, he died on the cross, was raised to life, and sent His Spirit to live in those who believe in Him–WE have been chosen and empowered by Him to bring the hope of salvation to the world and to invite others in His kingdom of true justice and righteousness. A kingdom that offers hope for all, no matter who they are or where they come from.

And finally, we hope in the promise that He will come again and finish what he has begun: to bring peace on earth and goodwill towards all men.

I encourage you to pray this prayer along with me:

Almighty God, every word in scripture points to the gift of hope that we have because of Christ Jesus. The Christmas story wasn’t the beginning of that message of hope because you have promised to fully redeem your people and restore them into a relationship with you.

Help us to see that you are with us. Nothing is too difficult, too messy, or too dirty for you. Jesus came to give us the gift of eternal life through the salvation that only you, our Heavenly Father, can give when we believe on your Son, repent of our sins, and confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Thank you, Father, for your immeasurable gift. We pray this through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen