The Gift of hope: The real reason for the season
As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of festivities, shopping, and preparations. But amidst the twinkling lights and cheerful carols, there's a deeper, more profound hope that we're called to embrace – the hope found in Jesus Christ.
This hope isn't just a fleeting feeling or a vague wish for better days. It's a powerful, transformative force rooted in something far greater than our circumstances or efforts. It's the hope of justification – the assurance that we have been made righteous in God's eyes through faith in Christ.
The concept of justification might seem abstract, but it addresses the most fundamental problem of humanity – our guilt before a holy God. We all fall short of God's perfect standard, and our best efforts to be "good enough" are tainted by pride and selfishness. As Romans 3:10-12 states, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
This is where the incredible gift of justification comes in. Through faith in Christ, God declares us righteous. It's not about our works or religious efforts; it's entirely based on what Jesus has done for us. As Romans 3:23-24 beautifully explains, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
Consider the powerful story of the criminal crucified alongside Jesus. In his final moments, he simply professed faith in Christ, saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus' response was immediate and profound: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." In that instant, the criminal was justified – declared righteous before God – not because of any good works, but solely through his faith.
This justification by faith is the foundation of our hope. It's not just a theological concept; it has profound implications for our daily lives. When we grasp that we've been made right with God through Christ, it leads to three transformative realities:
Peace with God. Once we were enemies of God, hostile in our minds and actions. But through justification, we now have peace with Him. This isn't just an absence of conflict; it's a deep, abiding sense of reconciliation and harmony with our Creator. As Romans 5:1 declares, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
This peace transcends our circumstances. It doesn't mean life will be free from challenges, but it does mean we can face those challenges with the confidence that God is for us, not against us. We know that He is working all things for our good and His glory.
Access to God. Justification doesn't just end the war between us and God; it grants us full access to His presence. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to "approach God's throne of grace with confidence" (Hebrews 4:16). We're not outsiders hoping to catch a glimpse of God; we're beloved children welcomed into His arms.
A Reason to Boast. In light of all God has done for us, we have every reason to boast – not in ourselves, but in Christ. This isn't the prideful boasting of human accomplishment; it's the joyful proclamation of God's incredible grace. As Paul writes in Romans 5:2, "We boast in the hope of the glory of God."
This hope isn't silent or passive. It's a living, active force that compels us to share the good news of what Christ has done. We can't help but "tell it on the mountains, over the hills, and everywhere" that Jesus has justified us, given us peace with God, and granted us access to His presence.
As we reflect on this profound hope, we're reminded of the beautiful words from the Christmas hymn "O Holy Night":
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
This Advent season, let's embrace the true meaning of Christmas – not just the birth of a baby, but the coming of the One who would justify us before God. Let's allow the thrill of this hope to permeate our lives, transforming how we view ourselves, others, and the challenges we face.
Remember, this hope doesn't depend on your performance or feelings. It's grounded in the unchanging reality of what Christ has accomplished. When you stumble, feel distant from God, or feel hopeless, cling to the truth that you have been justified. You have peace with God. You have access to His presence and all His blessings.
As we celebrate communion and remember Christ's sacrifice, let it be a time of rejoicing in this incredible gift of hope. Let's proclaim with confidence, like the apostle Peter:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade."
(1 Peter 1:3-4, CSB)
This Christmas, may you experience the thrill of hope found in Christ – a hope that justifies, reconciles, and gives us every reason to rejoice.
