Christmas Encouragement for MomsMostră

Hope: A Light in the Darkness this Christmas

Take a glance at humanity, and you will see people fraught with darkness, loneliness, and sadness. However, casting His brilliant light of love overall is our Savior! Jesus is the One who brings hope in the darkness this Christmas (Matthew 4:16). So, we quiet our hearts before our Redeemer and light the first candle of Advent: the candle of hope, which represents all the waiting and the longing in our hearts for a Deliverer. We know our Rescuer came so many years ago, and He will return again (John 14:3)! Therefore, this Christmas, we choose hope. We live hope-filled lives in the mess and stress of today because God is working in us and through us (Philippians 2:13).

Our beautiful Savior promises He will work all things together for our good and for His ultimate glory (Romans 8:28). In fact, He has already accomplished His good for us through His atoning sacrifice. In whatever situation we find ourselves as believers, He has already delivered us (Colossians 1:13-14). The only appropriate response to that most gracious gift is the full surrender of our hearts, hurts, and lives. He wants all of you, dear sister, and through you, He will convey His message of hope to others.

You see, this Christmas is not about you, nor is it about me. It is about Him. It is about bowing our knee in surrender to Jesus and delivering the message of His hope to those with whom we struggle to see eye-to-eye. It is about giving the hurt in our hearts to the only Healer who can restore relationships and bring unity.

When faced with challenging people, we find hope when we allow ourselves to see them through the eyes of Christ (Galatians 6:10). With humility, we look into the pool of sadness that encompasses their soul, and we can allow our hearts to break for them instead of because of them. When we know that their treatment or attitude toward us is a result of some deep heart-wound, we can pray for them in a way that entreats the Lord to open heaven and shower them with the compassion and love of Jesus. We know it is only through the gift of Christ that hearts can be healed, and peace can triumph. So, just as Jesus brings hope to our hearts at Christmas, our love can become the bearer of His hope to those around us.

Moreover, as you deliver hope to the lives of others, Jesus will deliver you. As you die to your expectations, selfishness, and hurts, you are renewed by the one who is fully God yet fully man—the One who was born over two-thousand years ago, who lived His life on earth as an example to us, and who died in our place that we may live in fullness and joy despite our circumstances.

If you feel discouraged this Christmas, my friend, I ask that you would seek the One who lights a flicker of hope in our dim hearts and asks us to trust Him as He fans the flame. Jesus is the long-awaited Author of our hope (Romans 15:12)! If you are struggling with a child, spouse, parent, or friend, consider that person’s heart. Pray a blessing over that person and let yourself sympathize as you are filled with renewed love and compassion. Indeed, granting others the gift of hope is perhaps the greatest present you will give this Christmas!

Love,

Tara Davis and the Help Club for Moms Team

"His Name will be the Hope of all the world." ~Matthew 12:21