Do you recall the scene from ‘Star Wars: Episode IV,’ in which a holographic video message from Princess Leia was accidently discovered by Luke Skywalker? The urgent message said simply, “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope”
This time of year, there are many people walking around looking for hope. Their hearts are weary from life’s disappointments and challenges. It may be financial trouble that has them discouraged. Perhaps it’s a ruptured relationship, a health issue, grief from the loss of a loved one or another type of personal crisis.
Whatever the case, thankfully, for these individuals and for you, the message of Christmas is one of hope.
Consider the beautiful expression of this truth in the great Christmas song, “O Holy Night”:
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
Notice that phrase, “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” The coming of Christ—the Savior of the world (John 3:16)—brings hope to our hearts in a way nothing else can.
The message of Christmas ultimately is that God sent Jesus to be our Savior—to save us from our sin and from ultimate destruction—and to bring us resurrection life in Him alone.
The Apostle John, in describing key truths about Jesus Christ said, “…the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8, CSB).
That is a message of hope to a weary world. This Christmas season, let’s each find someone in our paths that needs to hear a message of hope. A hope that only Jesus Christ can bring.
