But those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 CSB

As we look forward to Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we are going to talk about different gifts from God – hope, peace, love, and joy. This week we want to look at hope.

When I was a kid, Christmas morning was one of the best days. But on Christmas morning at my house, we could not come down the stairs until our parents were up and called us down. My sister and I and our two younger brothers would get up early and sit at the top of the stairs waiting, anticipating opening presents, and whispering loud enough to hopefully wake our parents!

That happy excitement and anticipation of what will happen is called hope. When have you felt hopeful? When a friend comes over for a sleep over? Or when mom fixes your favorite meal? Or when it’s your birthday? These make you feel happy and excited, hopeful for what will happen.

But we have a special hope at Christmas. Our hope is in Jesus. The birth of Jesus, God’s Son, in a stable in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago was God’s gift to all people. Jesus came and lived a life of love. He healed people and talked about God His Father. He showed us all how we should live. He died on a cross to take away our sins and offer forgiveness. And He arose from the grave so that we could be saved.

Because of Jesus, and our faith in Him, we can always have hope. Even when things don’t go like we want them to, we have a promise that God works all things, even the bad, for our good.

As you wait expectantly and hopefully for Christmas remember where your hope comes from, Jesus. Trust and hope in the Lord and you will be strengthened, you will feel like a soaring eagle, you will be full of hope for all the good things Jesus brings to your life.

This week, think about things you hope for and talk to your parents about hope. What things do you wait patiently for? What hopes have been answered in Jesus? How can you give hope to someone else?

Blessings and joyful hope at Christmas!