Pastor’s Perspective: The Hope of the Promise

Why is hope such a powerful word? The eager expectation that tomorrow will be brighter can bring courage for today. At the beginning of the playoffs, excitement abounds, this may finally be the year. Or a pregnancy after several miscarriages, maybe this time we can hold our baby. For the Jews, during the Common Era, when the strong arm of Rome, combined with stifling legalism, brought great oppression, could this be the day when our deliverer will come?
At some point, we all experience dashed hopes and dreams, dare we hope again? By removing any thread of hope from our lives, can we insulate ourselves from disappointment? If we could somehow do this, would life be better?

This Sunday we will study Acts 26. All through the Apostle Paul’s storied ministry, the hope of the promise kept him going. Prophecy runs through the entire Bible. It is Gods plan for us to live in hope. Hebrews 6:19 tells us of a hope that is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. The hope that God offers is rooted in faith, opens the eyes of our heart, delivers us from the domain of darkness, sets us free from sin, and tells of our future in heaven!
May the hope of the gospel ignite the spark that sets us on fire for Jesus. The joy of Christmas is anchored in the reality of the miraculous birth of Christ but must be connected to His death and resurrection to be truly celebrated. Our Christmas Eve service will involve observing both the birth and death of Jesus. Silent Night, O holy night at His birth. Silent night, O holy night, in the garden.