An Advent Devotional
What do you hope for this Christmas?
I remember when I was seven years old hoping to receive a magic wand. These days I tend to be a little more practical. Yet even in my attempt to shape the ideal Christmas into reality, the gifts, gatherings, and glee can fail to fulfill my hope.
It’s a great reminder that the Lord has not promised to fulfill my hope through a cheery holiday season. He has promised to fulfill my hope through His presence.
“Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19-20)
Christian hope is not a lofty idea floating untethered to reality. Our hope is rooted in history— the history of God’s gift giving. We’ve been given the gift of Jesus Christ and his incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. We’ve been given Christ’s ascension and heavenly reign, the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, the canon of New Testament scripture, and Jesus’ current intercession. He has given us lasting purpose and the community of the Church. These gifts fulfill scripture and are evidence of hope fulfilled.
“The reality is God has given us even more gifts that have yet to be opened. That is the thrill of hope! ”
One day our Heavenly Father will surprise us by opening these gifts. The tearing of paper will be accompanied by a trumpeted pronouncement that King Jesus is coming. Out of this glorious surprise will come the end of all suffering and evil. New heavens and a new earth will emerge to our great delight. We will be given immortal bodies and the faithful in Christ will be rewarded. We will enter Jesus’ joy and experience the fullness of His presence face to face. It will be an unimaginable, unending celebration!
This is the hope on which we get to confidently set our expectations.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:23)
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you that one of your many good gifts to me is hope. This Christmas as I celebrate Jesus Christ’s first coming, I set my hope on the grace given to me when He comes again. Thank you for the incredible gifts I have as your child. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, amen.
Written by Kristin Fields