Hopes and Fears

What do you hope for?  Christmas brought it.  What are you scared of?  Christmas solved it.  In an obscure village better known for what it had been than what it had become, a mother groaned, a husband prayed, a baby cried, and the hopes and fears of all the years were met right there that night.

There is no desire Jesus does not fulfill.  There is no terror Jesus does not defeat.  You want to be loved?  He adores you so much He gave His all.  You want to be protected?  No power in heaven or earth can snatch you from His hand.  You want a purpose?  He put you here to bring Him glory and be a blessing.  You want a future?  He’s busy preparing an awesome forever.  

You’re scared of death? He rules the graveyard and will raise you up. You’re fearful of life?  He felt all you face and promises strength for trials and exit ramps for temptation.  You’re afraid of failure?  His abundant grace stands ready to forgive. You’re anxious about needs?  He promises to supply.  You’re alarmed about loneliness?  He covenants to stay close.  

Because Jesus came at Christmas, we can come any time—to the God of the universe, bringing our fears, our faith, our losses, our love, our sorrows, our smiles, our wants, our wonder, our joys, our junk, our repentance, our gratitude, our appreciation, and our adoration.  We come in awe like the shepherds, knowing we don’t deserve to be there but delighted we got invited.  We come in worship like the Wise Men, bowing humbly to give ourselves and then our stuff.  We can never bring too much praise because baby in the manger was the ultimate answer to our deepest needs, our greatest desires, and our gravest terrors.

What do you hope for?  Christmas brought it.  What are you scared of?  Christmas solved it.  May all your hopes and fears be met in Jesus and may you know the richness of His joy on this very special day.

Merry Marvelous Christmas.