Faithfulness

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:18-21 NKJ)

Concerning the Christmas season a songwriter proclaimed, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." It is wonderful because God didn't fail us. It is wonderful because of the one born in the manger. The wonder of it all is wrapped up in the package of God's hope.

God didn't decorate a tree or string lights around the house. He didn't ring bells, proclaim a holiday, or offer sales in the local marketplace. He simply hid our hope in an obscure manger in a town called Bethlehem. Then allowed wise men and women everywhere to search for it.

How do we know hope exists? It is exhibited everyday in God's faithfulness. Everyday is an opportunity to experience God's compassion and mercy. It is because of our hope in Christ that we live and will not be destroyed.

The sunrise of each new day reminds us of God's faithfulness. It offers a new start with unlimited opportunities. It provides mercy and grace for past mistakes, bad choices, regrets, and heartaches. The despair of yesterday is dispelled by the hope of promised salvation.

A sunrise, a sunset, a seascape and other splendors of nature may mesmerize us, but as beautiful as they are they cannot exceed the splendor of hope. Nature is a kaleidoscope of beautiful reminders that God is faithful and offers hope.

And the hope from God -- our hope -- rests solely in the son born to Mary and named Jesus. It is he who "will save his people from their sins." Herein lies the wonder of hope, the most glorious and faithful gift ever be given.

Dear Father, thank you for the hope your faithfulness brings. May your faithfulness today remind us to share hope with others. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Let God's faithfulness give you hope in Christ today,