Hope; a confident expectation.

The Christmas season festivities often overshadows the real purpose of the season, and for some it may not be so merry for them like others because of what they may be going through or experienced in the past. I remember as a child I always looked forward to the gift I would be receiving at Christmas. The meaning of Christmas for me has evolved since surrendering my life to Jesus. I believe it is a season of joy, peace, celebration and most importantly Hope.

A promise fulfilled [Isaiah 7:14, Romans 5:5,Hebrews 11:1]

Long before the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ Isaiah the Prophet spoke of the virgin birth. What has God spoken or promise you in His Word that is yet to come to pass or seemingly impossible to become a reality? Emmanuel "God is with us" to fulfill His promise made to us. God is with us to heal, strengthen, save, deliver and glorify us. Remember that God is faithful, for every Word will not become void but will accomplish exactly what it sent to do. Hope in Christ is not wishful thinking or an imagination but a confident expectation.

The only true source of Hope is Christ our tried and tested foundation. The bedrock of every promise of God is Christ. The Hope of the fulfillment of every promise and the guarantee of its certainty is only found in Him. Hope is what connects our faith in the now and to our future or expectations.

Hope is the target, and faith cannot exist where there's no target! - Rod Parsley

Abraham remain steadfast in his faith in God by believing in Hope against the hopelessness of his situation. Hannah mother of Prophet Samuel was mocked by her rival while Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist was written off by many. They all trusted in the faithfulness of God and He made them have the last laugh. Don't give up or entertain doubt or hopelessness, believe in Hope that God will come through for you in the here and now.

You will rise again [Acts 2:24]

Hope seems to fade, strength to press on seems to decline and faith seems to weaken in the face of a prolong dire circumstance. The thought of a brighter tomorrow, changing circumstance or rising from the ashes can be difficult to imagine. Remember the words of Jesus whom we are celebrating this season "I will rise on the third day" and He did. Every promise is fulfilled in Christ Jesus who is the reason for this season.

Jesus is the resurrection and life, if He is in your life then your life cannot be buried beneath the misfortunes of life forever. Jesus is the guarantee for you and me that God will not leave us to be destroyed or decay in any negative situation. He will definitely bring us out of anything that we are buried under.

Voice of Hope [Acts 27:23-24]

In this season let us allow ourselves to become the voice and hand of Hope to others even though we may be needing one ourselves. We should not be deceived by the smiles on people's faces or how celebratory they may be acting because most often than not what some may be dealing with personally can be unimaginable. Before you become or reach out as a voice and hand of Hope to anyone please take time to bathe yourself in Word of God the purest source of Hope.

Recharge your Hope

Remind, encourage and strengthen the Hope you have so that it does not dissipate in the face of any challenge or in midst of the storms of life. Are you so overwhelmed by the challenges of life to the point that you are coming down with unbelief,doubt or despair? God is not finished with us yet, look up to Him because the best of things are yet to happen. Remind of yourself what God has done, how far He has brought you and His faithfulness in the past. Let it be your confidence to still trust Him.

Give others hope

It is certainly difficult or impossible to give what we don't believe or have. None has it together when it comes to maintaining our Hope in God. Let us share with others our own daily struggles in keeping our Hope alive in Christ to encourage them in their spiritual walk. We can still give Hope to others although we may be struggling with ours in God.

Remember to use your testimonies of God's faithfulness in your life and in His word as the bases of Hope to others so that their faith will be found in the power of God.

Make hope tangible

It is said "action speaks louder than words". This season let people you love, know and meet experience the love of God which has the ability to generate Hope in us. Put a smile on someone's face, speak a word of encouragement to someone, make a phone call or give a gift. Let them know God loves and cares for them. Let them know they are in your thoughts, they are not alone in this life's journey. When you give Hope you gain one and when you receive one give one back. Hope heals the heart that is broken, filled with fear, frozen in time while dispersing the darkness in our soul. Hope is the ray of light shining through the dark clouds. It is food or water to our thirsty or hungry soul to keep it refreshed.

Be the voice and the hand of Hope this season. Be open to receive what God has for you as well.

Keep your Hope alive and burning in God through prayer, praise and obedience in this season for God is faithful.

Merry Christmas, may your Hope in Him shine brighter.