Over 2000 years ago everything changed. It changed because “God sent His one and only Son so that all who believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Jesus, the Son of God, would live a perfectly righteous life and give up His life in order to save people from their sins. We celebrate Christmas because we rejoice that Jesus Christ is born. In our sermon this Advent season, we shall consider the hope that Jesus Christ brings us.
- Hope Against Despair. Advent is a reminder that Jesus brings us hope. It is vital that we understand that Biblical hope is different than what we normally mean when we speak of hope. In our day and age, we normally use hope in the sense of “blind optimism” or “a wishful desire” for something to happen. For example, I hope that you have a good day. I am not confident you will have a good day, but I express a desire that your day would be good. True hope does not disappoint because it is revealed by God’s love (Rom 5:5). Worldly hope cannot fight against despair, only hope grounded in God can.
- Hope is Confident Expectation. Real hope is a confident expectation that God is faithful to keep His promises. It is not wishful thinking or blind optimism. It is not constrained by mere chance or luck. True hope is based on God’s faithfulness. True hope requires faith. We must have faithful trust that God will deliver us and provide for us. Because of this, Christians have hope. While we may feel helpless; Christians are never hopeless. Christians believe that Jesus is the only Savior and Lord and that He is working and interceding for them. Christians also long for the day when Jesus will return. The Second Advent is coming at the appointed hour and we confidently wait. Our confidence is demonstrated in thoughts, words, and our actions.
- Hope in Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 4:10 reminds us: “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” Where your hope is set? Is your hope resting in a bank account? If so, beware; bank accounts can quickly empty. Is your hope resting on a car/boat/house, etc.? If so, beware; physical objects can break or be stolen easily. Is your hope resting on a particular person? If so, beware; people can disappoint and hurt. Is your hope resting on Jesus Christ? If it is, you are blessed. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb 13:5). If we set our hope on the living God we can have true and lasting hope. Jesus is our blessed hope that satisfies our every need.
Where is our hope? Let us embrace our blessed hope: Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord? If you are not a Christian, admit that you are a sinner and repent of your sin. Believe that Jesus is God’s Son who died to bring forgiveness for your sin. Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Be freed from the bondage of sin and find true and lasting hope.
First Baptist Scott City, MO 