Meditations on the Meaning of Christmasنموونە

Finding Hope in the Stars

Cold, crisp, clear winter nights are some of my favourite memories as a child. To top off the experience, the smell of wood-burning chimneys and a clear sky of stars are some of my favourite smells and sights. In those moments it’s almost tangible to see what the Psalmist sees when he writes, “the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1, NIV) But those moments often remind me of another who gazed up in awe at the heavens many years ago. 

Generations after sin entered the world and the hopeful promise that a Saviour would one day come, God called a man named Abram to look out one night at the celestial skies above. God had promised to Abram that through his family line the hope of the world would come. In doubt and confusion Abram questions God’s plan since Sarai, his wife, was barren. 

“Look toward the heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them…so shall your offspring be.” (Genesis 15:5, ESV)

In that moment, perhaps it was the vastness of the night sky that overwhelmed Abram or the potential that something could be so wonderful, the Bible in verse six says that “he believed the Lord.” Abraham’s faith has often been attributed as righteousness and is exemplary for readers to live by even today. Even in what looked like a hopeless situation (Abram and Sarai were still childless) there must have been something inside Abram’s heart that night that held a glimmer of hope. God had not forgotten his plan to redeem the world. 

God’s promise to Abram and Sarai to give them a baby boy would no question have filled them with hope. But remembering God’s plan to send hope through Abram’s family all those years ago allows me still to stare up at the night sky and sense that same hope that God does not forget his promises throughout this advent season.

Reflect

• What fills you with hope?
• What does it mean to hope in God?