Micheal Hurlbert
For many, Christmas is a time filled with hope. Some dream of a white Christmas with fresh snow, complete with snowball fights and building snowmen in the front yard.
There is a sense of excitement as you wait for the perfect gift to be placed under the tree. During this season, it is important to remember that the hope of Christmas is built on a greater hope that believers have.
This hope reminds them of their worth and sustains them through their lives. I like to think of hope as a lighthouse on a dark, stormy night. It doesn't make the waves go away, but it does offer direction and a reason to keep going.
Jesus is that light shining in the world. He is a source of hope for all those living in darkness, offering a clear direction for life and assurances of a better future. Reflecting on the birth of Jesus reminds the believers of their value to God.
That God would give his only son so that we may have life reveals his love for all people. Self-worth begins here. As John writes, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world" (John 1:9).
By coming into the world, God shows us that we are worthy of his pursuit. When people acknowledge the value God has for them, they can begin to see it in themselves.
In addition, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, whose arrival made possible peace with God through his eventual death and resurrection.
Christmas provides believers with hope that carries them through life's storms. As Christians encounter trials, they are able to look toward the light of Christ and the love they feel in their hearts to sustain them.
The story of Christmas looks back to the cradle and, in hope, also looks forward to Jesus' return. When the high priest questioned Jesus before turning him over to Pilate, Jesus told him, "You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62).
The certainty of future vindication and his faithfulness to God held him to the cross. It is this hope in salvation that we are reminded of each Christmas.
This year, as you celebrate Christmas, I pray that you let the hope in Jesus' birth inspire you to embrace the light of Christ. Take some time to reflect on the hope the holiday brings and embrace the find peace made possible through the Prince of Peace.
Micheal Hurlbert is associate pastor at First Christian Church in Carson City.