Celebrating Christmas with Joy and Hope

Were you expecting a special gift for Christmas? Has Corvid-19 changed how you celebrate Christmas? You may be contending with difficult circumstances that have dimmed the light for Christmas Day, but fix your mind on Christ Jesus, in whom there is no darkness.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Once you were darkness but now you are light,” and the Apostle John further illuminates for us that darkness will not overcome your light because “you have the light of life.” A reason for joy and hope is, “Every good and perfect gift comes from God the Father, the Creator of light in whom no darkness exists.” Christ Jesus is your good and perfect gift. Thanks be to God for hope, joy and peace. Merry Christmas.  

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Suddenly an angel appeared among [some shepherds], and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem!”

~Luke 2:9-11 The Living Bible

May the hope-inspiring God so fill you with perfect joy and peace through your continuing faith, that you may bubble over with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

~Romans 15:13 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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Celebrating Christmas with Peace and Hope

It’s true. These past months have presented difficult challenges. However today the Gospel hymn, “Send the Light,” encourages us to pray and celebrate because God’s grace abounds, making the light of Christ Jesus clearly visible for us to experience. God sends the light, and it shines in the deepest darkness giving us hope, peace and courage.

The Holy Spirit directs us to turn our eyes upon Jesus, looking full into his wonderful face so “the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” What a privilege it is to permit the light of Christ Jesus to penetrate our heart and soul with peace and hope. Merry Christmas and God bless you. 

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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.

Isaiah 9:6-7 New International Version

 

Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.”

~Luke 2:13-14 Contemporary English Version

 

For he himself is our peace.

~Ephesians 2:14 New American Standard Bible

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Celebrating Christmas with Courage and Hope

As you think about all you’ve endured these past ten months, what special gifts have you received or given that compensate for the difficulties you’ve experienced? From where did your hope and courage come? Listen to Psalm 66:16: “Come and listen, all of you who honor God, and I will tell you what he did for me.”

God is the giver of courage and hope for contending with uncertainty, so celebrate with singing and praise for all God provides. We have hope because Christ the Lord is born. We sing “Hallelujah” and “Glory to God”, for he provides peace and hope to all who celebrate his coming. Merry Christmas. God bless you.  

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 The angel went to [Mary] and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.

~Luke 1:28-32 New International Version

 

Everyone will see the Lord’s splendor, see his greatness and power. Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness. Tell everyone who is discouraged, “Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue.”

~Isaiah 35:2-3 Good News Bible  

 

Take courage, my soul!…Why be discouraged and sad? Hope in God! I shall yet praise him again. Yes, I shall again praise him for his help.

~Psalm 42:5 The Living Bible 

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