For millions of people, the Christmas season means nothing more than parties, gifts, decorations, and time off work. However, for some people, this time of year is a happy reminder of the hope there is because of Jesus Christ.

Before Jesus came, God seemed distant, hidden in the Holy of Holies in the temple, accessible only to the high priest. Worshippers wondered whether their sacrifices were acceptable and they doubted their salvation.

With Christ means hope to the person out of work, to the struggling single mother, to the dying believer. Even if you're just laboring your way through the disappointments of life; If you have Jesus, you have hope. And he is not a false hope, He is not a childish fable or a folk story that wishes a happy ending. When Christ rose from the dead, that ended the case.

Some people have hope in Him and they are genuine. Christmas is a renewal of that hope, Christmas confirms it for us, over and over again. If our vision has grown dim, Christ brightens it up when we remember why He was born. It was settled long ago, so we don't have to doubt any more. Jesus is the fulfillment of our hope, our deepest longings come true.

Dr. Tony Evans wrote in Totally Saved, “We have lasting hope through the salvation we have in Christ ... Hope means that even when it looks like it's all over, it's not all over yet. That's why the Bible says we can rejoice even in our tribulations. God is working in our hard times to produce proven character and hope in us.”

I pray that this Christmas season brings love, happiness, and joy but also the remembrance of Christ and the Hope that He brings to us.

In God’s Love,

<>< - Mark E. Arroyo - <><