“Hope Eternal” by Justin March
“I AM’s love extends to all. No one is denied the new life that is assured by my dying and my rising-no one.”
An excerpt from Larry Moeller’s new book “A Fateful Flaw”
Christmas is coming. In case you haven’t noticed the decorations in the stores, the music on the radio, the television ads, or the ghastly number of delivery trucks on the road, I wanted to remind you that Christmas is coming. For some, I know this holiday season can be stressful. For others, it can be quite glorious. But whether Christmas brings feelings of sadness, laughter, depression, joy, loneliness, or community, there is one thing that will always ring true. Christmas is coming!
It has been a busy start to the holiday season for the March family, and I feel as though we have been wrapped up in our own little world. But as I entered the sanctuary at church last Sunday, it was very apparent that Christmas was coming. The liturgy was different, the hymns felt like carols, and the choir was joyous. The sermon was full of waiting and anticipation, and I sat in my seat mesmerized by the glow of the advent candles and what they mean for this time of year.
I breathed in fully and exhaled slowly. I let my mind have a reprieve from the daily struggles, the stressful schedules, and the slowdown at work. But overall, in this moment in time, I felt at peace. A peace that comes only from separating myself from the distractions of the media, my cell phone, and all the garbage this world wants to throw in my receptacle. A peace that springs from an eternal hope and a peace that allows me to celebrate that Christmas is coming.
Hope Eternal. Sounds like a cool name for a band, movie, or book, doesn’t it? It may be a small phrase and not much to look at on paper, but oh does it have a deep-rooted meaning for our lives. It is not just the mere mention of hoping that a loved one gets better. It does not mean we are hoping for a good day at work, hoping for some new frivolous toy, or hoping that our favorite sports teams win today. No, my friends, hope eternal goes way beyond this.
When we have eternal hope, we understand that this life is temporary. We understand that no matter the trials, no matter the heartache, and no matter the loss, God delivered a baby boy to rectify all ailments. It means that God is always watching out for us. It means that God has more grace and love than we could ever comprehend. And it means that God has created a journey, even though it may seem troublesome and arduous at times, that will eventually lead us to the cross.
I pray you enter this holiday season with eternal hope. I pray that you witness the needs around you and shed light in the dark spaces. And I pray that you are able to celebrate the coming of our Savior and all the promises that come with his birth. For it is in this eternal hope where the true meaning of Christmas can be found as we prepare our hearts and souls for the blessed arrival. Christmas is coming! Are you ready?
