5 Ways the Christmas Story Gives Us Hope

First, a quick word—for some reason, the system did not post and send my blog post from yesterday, so it should be included below this post. I encourage you to look at the Christmas post resources I listed yesterday.

Second, our guest blogger today is Anna Schaeffer, my administrative assistant at Southeastern Seminary and author of two books for teen girls: All of This and Just One Thing. Pam and I encourage you to follow her at www.annaschaefferwrites.com. 

——

The message of Christmas is incredibly comforting. I love reflecting on the fact that the Son of God was actually born to actual people. He really was placed in a manger. Angels really did appear to shepherds. Magi from the east really did follow a star. Jesus really did come to rescue us.

It’s not a glossy, holly-jolly story. It’s rugged and real. And that’s exactly why it’s so beautiful. Here are five truths from the Christmas story to fill our hearts with hope:

1. God keeps His promises. Back at the rebellion of mankind in the garden, God promised a Rescuer. Through the ages, He spoke through prophets and sacrificial systems to point to the coming Savior, but nothing seemed to happen for centuries. Yet all the while, God was working behind the scenes. Jesus—who gives us hope—is the fulfillment of God’s promises.
2. God uses ordinary people. Jesus was born to an unassuming small-town girl and a carpenter. Neither Mary nor Joseph was great in the world’s eyes, but they were obedient to their Lord. God uses everyday, faithful followers like you and me for His rescue mission.
3. God works through unexpected circumstances. People were expecting a mighty warrior or a conquering king, but Jesus came as a baby. He didn’t sit on a throne, but lay in a feeding trough. God’s answer to His people’s longing wasn’t what they imagined, but it was far better. It was salvation through His own Son.
4. God cares for all humanity. The angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds—some of the most humble members of Jewish society. Then, a star appeared to Gentile astrologists. Jesus came for His chosen people, but also for the nations, including us. In Christ, we are adopted as His sons and daughters called to take the good news of the gospel to the ends of the earth.
5. God knows what it’s like. Because Jesus came to earth as a man, He experienced the emotions and struggles we face. We can be confident that when we take our sorrows to Him, He understands and helps us in our weakness. He is Emmanuel, God with us.

The best news is that Christmas isn’t all there is; it’s a step on the journey to the cross. The Baby in Bethlehem grew up to bear the sins of the world, to die in our place, and to defeat death once and for all. One day, He will come back for us. In the meantime, we share the hope of Christmas with those who do not yet know the One who is our Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.