Hoping

    The other day, Elizabeth and I were talking about Santa Clause. Now, I know that her mom and dad downplay Santa and are teaching their children that Santa is pretend. I asked Elizabeth if Santa was coming to her house. She said, with all the innocence and expectation that a three-year-old can have, "I hope." Her two little words were full of sweetness and anticipation.

     Hebrews 11 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I think we have hope placed in our DNA. We are made for something beyond this world. We were designed for a perfect place and we desire in our deepest parts to be in that perfect place. Unfortunately, I often spend my energy in trying to make my little world perfectly comfortable instead of looking to the one who will bring me into the fulfilling relationship that I truly desire in my heart of hearts. I need a hero, a rescuer, a knight in shining armour -- a Savior.
     Christmas is all about hope and anticipation. There is a line in a popular Christmas hymn which describes the time of Jesus' birth, "the dawn of redeeming love". In all of history, the day Jesus was born is at the center of importance in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The birth of Jesus ushered in redemption. That's huge! That's what we're celebrating this time of year. In that redeeming love lies our hope.