The beloved Christmas carol by Phillips Brooks, O Little Town o Bethlehem, recites:
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
The year 2012 has been one filled with tremendous fears. From the economy to the ecology, the drum beat of the media and the insecurity in our own hearts has allowed many to fall into discouragement. In a dreary December filled with uncertainty, it is difficult to experience the joy of the season.
Yet all of Scripture reminds us that the book is still being written. God is still on the throne and in this season of wonder, we encourage you to consider what needs rekindling in your life.
The Bible promises and this precious song give us this hope:
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
Does the passion for your walk with the Lord need to be reborn in you today? There is no better season to lean into His love than Christmas time. In His presence you will rekindle that love.
Does hope need rebirth? It is so easy to think that our best days are behind us. With the Lord before us, we need not dwell on the past or despair in the future. Hope can be found here.
Psalm 16:8, 11 – I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved…Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy.
Is it hard to feel optimism about tomorrow? Watching the nightly news will not increase it, but the Lord’s optimism for your life is overflowing! Don’t listen to what others say will happen for you. Give ear to the One who knows.
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Many feel we need a rebirth of patriotism in America. Our government does not inspire confidence and fellow citizens often leave us less than proud. Yet we know that we are subject to the one who bears the government upon his shoulders and reigns in a perfect kingdom. Until the time we are summoned, we should obey and pray for those in authority and pray that the Lord will raise up godly leaders until He returns.
Hebrews 13:17 – Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves.
Time and again in Scripture, God demonstrates his love and forgiveness to the unfaithful and idolatrous nation. He waits patiently for us to return to his Love. Always about the business of restoration, he awaits our return.
So what are the hopes and fears you face this year as we prepare for the birth of Christ? Will you allow God to meet you in your hopes and fears?
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given;
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heav’n.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.
Wishing you joy this wondrous season.
