A Normal Christmas
Tuesday, December 14
A Normal Christmas
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
Large family gatherings filled with hugs and laughter. Numerous shopping trips into a busy mall only to find crowded stores. An early evening equals light shows on the drive home. Children excitedly counted down the days to December 25. For me, these are some things that signal Christmastime is here—a whole month covered in delicious anticipation. Normally, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. But a normal Christmas doesn’t seem possible while the world continues to battle a global pandemic. What hope do we have as we now head into another unknown anxious and fear-filled time of the year?
Sure, we can hope to celebrate Christmas with loved ones in good health. We can hope to be safe. We can hope that 2022 will be better than 2021. But there is no guarantee that any of these good things will actually happen. Hope in the things of this world is nothing more than wishful thinking.
The Bible describes something drastically different: hope that is based on promises. Hope that comes with guaranteed outcomes. As we are tossed by waves of change and instability, we need to hold fast to what is solid and certain. God’s Word gives us a sure hope, found in today’s verse is a secure hope. Romans 8:38-39 offers two promises that can anchor our insecure hearts in true hope.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus is Lord over the brokenness and disease that plague our world. While we continue to endure the challenges of COVID-19, the future may seem bleak with little hope of a return to normalcy anytime soon. But when we put our hope in Christ Jesus our Lord, we take comfort in the fact that our Lord has already determined the end of the pandemic. He has already claimed the ultimate victory over sin and death, and we can anticipate a future that is utterly secure and certain in his hands. This future has already been promised to us and purchased for us by our great High Priest. He is our hope!
Prayer for today: Lord, I share with you my worries and fears today. Lord, I maintain my hope in You and I hold onto the assurance that what I am praying for is already accomplished in the name of Jesus.