It seems at Christmas time, so often we hear of tragedies and sad things people are going through. There are several dear people I know right now who are “sitting vigil” with their loved ones. I’ve been there, done that (thinking back 6 years ago with my husband, Autry). It’s not easy and yet this word “Hope” makes all the difference in the world.
When God sent his son to be born in that lowly manger, He was giving us a hope that cannot be surpassed. This is a “know so” hope; not an “I hope so” hope. We have God’s assurance that He will never leave us or forsake us. He will not fail us. We can count on that! And yes, even when we sit vigil with our loved ones who have trusted Christ as their Savior, we have that “know so hope” that, should God choose to take them home, we will see them again; we will be reunited one day in heaven.
How can I be sure of this? What did Jesus do? He rose from the dead, right? I Cor. 15 is the resurrection chapter, and verse 55 says,
“O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?”
This is why He came. Jesus is our Blessed Hope! Think about that word this week. What a special gift to claim this Christmas.