Yāhal

Image by Frank Herter from Pixabay

The Hebrew word for hope denotes a confident expectation or anticipation, the belief in the fulfillment of God’s promises — not wishful thinking.

It wasn’t wishful thinking that brought about the long-anticipated birth of Jesus, the fulfillment of our hope for redemption. Neither is our hope for the fulfillment of God’s promises in our own lives wishful thinking. We have confidence God will keep his promises.

Even in the secular activities, there’s an anticipation and expectation of families reunited, generosity from strangers, and an overall season of cheerfulness.

For Christians, it runs even deeper. If not for the birth, there would be no cross. Without the cross, there is no redemption.

Hope is also looking for signs of God’s presence during times of stress. It might be a rainbow in an otherwise dark sky or an unexpected hug from a friend or stranger. Perhaps a song on our playlist that makes us smile despite our circumstances.

These reminders tell us God sees us, understands our circumstances, and is with us always. He will never forsake us or leave us, and he will fulfill every promise he’s made — even personal ones. There lies our hope, our confidence, our belief for a better tomorrow.

As we enter into this season of yāhal, I pray your Christmas season is filled with God’s presence and blessings. Amen.