Meditations on the Meaning of ChristmasShembull

Hope When You Need it Most

When all else seems lost, hope can be life-giving or life-sustaining. When there seems to be darkness all around, a light at the end of the tunnel is what keeps one fighting and pressing on. I imagine a scene in Tolkien’s, The Two Towers, when Gandalf gives hope to Frodo and his companions, “Look to my coming on the first light of the fifth day, at dawn look to the east.” Sure enough, at dawn on the fifth day, while his friends are burdened by battle and nearly defeated, Gandalf the White arrives over the crest of the mountain with aid and hope fills all the weary souls who look on.

For many, needing hope in a season of trial is a very real experience. It’s something that was left behind from the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree. But for some of us, the pain of losing a loved one, enduring radiation treatments, suffering through miscarriage, or longing for a prodigal child to return home is enough reason to long for any sort of hope. And in those moments an encouraging word from a loving friend, or a reminder of truth and grasp of hope can provide much-needed comfort to those in need.

God’s people Israel were exiled for their disobedience and rejection to obey Yahweh as their faithful covenant God. As the Babylonians and Assyrians came in to conquer and carry off God’s people, prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah were left to remind and call the remnant of Israel to faith and future obedience. In Isaiah chapter 40 Isaiah prophesies in the midst of hopelessness that God had not forgotten his promise of hope to send the world a rescuer. One who would “bind up the brokenhearted” and “proclaim liberty to the captives.” He says in Isaiah 40:3,

“A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

Isaiah continues in verse five to say that the “glory of the LORD shall be revealed.” The people of God would have been filled with such hope to hear that God had not forgotten his promise and that perhaps the time of waiting would soon be over. In a time when they needed it most, Isaiah’s prophecy reminded them that hope was on the way.   

Reflect

• How might God use you to be a source of hope and encouragement for someone struggling this Advent season?