The Story of Hope
I don’t know how you are doing, but these days before Christmas, I am constantly on the move. The “to-do” list is longer than the hours left until Christmas Eve. Trying to get ready for company, last-minute shopping, wrapping gifts, choir rehearsals, parties, and, as I write this in early December, there are decorations to put up, both inside and outside our house. These are hectic days when life sometimes feels on the brink of disaster.
Psychologists tell us that the days during the Advent-Christmas Seasons are prime weeks for depression to be more pronounced. The sudden illness of a loved one and the memories of those no longer with us can overshadow the joy this world is supposed to be feeling, anger seems more troubling, hurt feels more intense.
These are days when life’s troubles can seem larger than life itself. Have you had days when you feel your life is on the brink of disaster?
Now imagine yourself in the shoes of Mary, the mother of Jesus. An angel came. A message was delivered. Life was never the same again. Mary’s life was on the brink of disaster. She could have been dispossessed by her parents. She could have lost her future with Joseph. She could have been stoned to death.
Yet, on the brink of disaster, God transformed the events of those days — so that the people of God might forever hear a story of hope.
Even today, when our lives seem on the brink of disaster, God has a word for us. And that word comes in the form of a promise to Mary: “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His ancestor, David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His Kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:33)
This is God’s steadfast promise. This is the unfolding of Incarnation. This is the story of hope — begun quietly in a manger, snuffed out tragically on a cross and boldly resurrected — to be the Lord and Ruler of all times, all disasters, all days of joy, and all peoples and nations.
If your life is on the brink of disaster now, or in the coming days, know that God sent forth His Son and through Him, God goes with you. The people of God surround you, pray for you and uplift you through life’s every disaster. Know that the babe born in Bethlehem is born for you — for hope, for comfort, for strength and for peace.
