By PR KAMYA EMMANUEL
Christmas is a time that should fill our hearts with hope in God, no matter what we are going through or have gone through. It’s a time that reminds us of the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who came to rescue us at just the right time. His earthly life, from birth to death to resurrection, gives us hope. Christmas is about HOPE, the Hope for all mankind.
According to the English dictionary, Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large.
Also, the bible believers are encouraged to wait for God hopefully, expectantly. In times of trouble one should wait for the Lord, who will turn things around ( Psalm 25:21 ; 27:14 ; 40:1 ; 130:5 ). Sometimes expressions of hope are accompanied by the prayer that the supplicant will not be ashamed, that is, disappointed. “May those who hope in you not be disgraced” ( Psalm 69:6 ; cf. Psalm 22:5 ; Psalms 25:2-3 Psalms 25:20 ).

Hope as a person...
The Christmas story clearly shows that the hope of the universe is a person. Hope was what the angels sang about. Hope lay in the manger. Hope caused Mary to wonder in her heart. It was hope the shepherds came to worship. Hope was presented with gifts from the three wise men who had traveled so far. The Advent story is a hope story because it gives a historical account of the coming to earth of the One who is hope, Jesus.
Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us, a Son is given, And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
What the Birth of Christ Jesus meant for the world?
- It was hope confirming God’s love for the World. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
- It was the victory that was expected for mankind attain over the darkness that had hovered over the earth.
- It marked the beginning for God to start living with a man in the flesh.
John 1:12-14, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” - Christ’s government/ruling into our lives. Many Christians have failed to let Jesus rule in their lives, that’s why some of them are still walking in hatred, witchcraft, malice, and jealousy. Christmas should be viewed as God’s opportunity for mankind for Jesus to start ruling in everyone’s life.
- Jesus’ wonderful name. The birth of Christ Jesus brought a name that is above any other name that transforms our lives and the world at large.
- Brought God’s glory to shine upon those who accept Jesus as their personal savior.
- The birth of Christ Jesus was a sign that God is among His people, that is why Jesus is called ‘Emmanuel’ meaning GOD IS WITH US.
- Its time we develop more hope in Christ Jesus and believe that God is about to make us greater. Christmas should therefore make us today to march smartly in victory as we celebrate the Jesus Christ who now dwells in our lives.
Why are we the ones celebrating the birth yet many have died?
- His ordained promises have not yet fulfilled in your life.
- He has left standing to make you a testimony.
- He wants to reveal His power all through you. As you celebrate the Birth of Christ Jesus today, all evil plans of the enemy in your life will be destroyed in Jesus’ mighty name.
God bless you.