Our Daily Bread: The Hope of Christmas Sýnishorn

Welcomed In. Is there a time in your life when you were welcomed in despite being an outsider? My dearest memory of this happened as my college graduation approached. I vividly remember how nerve-wracking that time was. I desperately wanted to stay in the area but was still searching for full-time employment and knew I couldn’t yet afford an apartment. That’s when a friend suggested I rent a room at her parents’ home. But after I moved in, I found I had been given much more than an affordable place to live. From the moment I came, I was treated as a member of the family, invited to all meals and family gatherings, no questions asked. Her family with their warm hospitality gave me a new home to get on my feet until I was ready for my own place. Their hospitality also reflected the other-seeking love of the “God of hope,” (Rom. 15:13).  The book of Romans reveals a God whose heart is always seeking to enfold “outsiders” into His family. Even His covenant with Israel was intended to reveal who God was to the whole world, a promise that led Israel’s prophets to predict a Messiah who would bring joy and hope to those outside of Israel (v. 9–12). Because of Him, anyone can be welcomed into the life and love of God, “overflow with hope” (v. 13)—and welcome others as God has welcomed us (v. 7).  —Monica Brands 

The God of hope makes outsiders insiders.