The source of all hope is Jesus Christ. Even people who are lost and do not know the Lord know on a subconscious level that there is something higher than themselves that will not let them get so lost they can’t find a way out. As a Christian, you know that Jesus is the epitome of hope incarnate. There are multiple verses pointing this out, as well as verses pointing out why Jesus is the reason for the holiday season.
Truth be told, Jesus was not born in December. There are a number of Biblical clues that reveal that Jesus was not born in the last month of the year, namely the fact that it was tax season throughout the land, which only happens once a year in the very end or very beginning of a new year. The weather and other descriptors of how Mary and Joseph traveled also reveal the season in which Jesus was born, which would not have placed his birth in December according to the Gregorian calendar. In fact, the Gregorian calendar was not in use, nor would most Jews have used it.
The reason for the Christmas season, and the source of Christian hope, is presented in the following.
From the Eviction of the Garden of Eden to Christ, Believers Went Somewhere Else
Followers of Judaism had only two places to go after death. They either went to Hell if they had not strictly adhered to the practices of their faith, or they went to Abraham’s Bosom. Abraham’s Bosom was a place where the faithful Jews awaited the Messiah, the one that would come and take them to Heaven as promised. For thousands of years the souls of the faithful waited and hoped. Even in death, they had hope of a Savior.
One passage in particular notes this belief:
John 5:22-23 “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeing Abraham afar off, and Lazaraus in his bosom.”
So, Jews believed that there was hell, and there was a place that wasn’t heaven or hell, but a stopping-off point until the Savior that the Heavenly Father promised would come. Hope was continuous in this belief that there would be a Savior. Those that were in Abraham’s bosom hoped too, and even though they were dead they believed.
Christians believe that Jesus Christ is that Savior. They believe that Abraham’s bosom was opened and cleared out at the time of Christ’s resurrection, something the Jews believe would happen when the Savior appeared. Now Christians hope for the Second Coming of Christ, an event that will mark the release of millions of believers from this Earth and prevent them from experiencing the Apocalypse.
The Symbolism of Hope is Christ
When Christians pray, they pray to God the Father and God the Son, or Jesus Christ, often simultaneously speaking to both as both are one. To pray is to ask for help and trust that God and Jesus will help. The connection of the word “hope” and “God”, “Jesus”, or “Jesus Christ” are found abundantly in the Bible.
One passage that reflects the strength of hope in God is Joel 3:16
“The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”
Understanding that the First Coming of Christ was the hope of the Jews, and that without Christ’s coming and sacrifice, there would be no hope, you can see how Christ became the symbol of hope itself.
Why Jesus Is the Reason for the Holiday Season
Jesus represents the most ultimate sacrifice of love; death to save millions of others. Our Heavenly Father sacrificed his only begotten son so that millions could have a path to redemption and a direct path to Heaven instead of the stop-off in Abraham’s bosom. What greater gift could anyone give than eternal life through personal sacrifice?
Christians recognize this perfect, selfless gift and what it represents to believers. We want to celebrate that gift we all share, and to honor the birth of Christ. It is why so many Christians tried to find just the right day to celebrate Christ’s entrance into the world.
However, no Bible student has ever been able to pinpoint the exact season or birthdate of Christ. Census records that old were lost a millennia ago, and the Bible only gives so many clues about the time of year. We know that Christ was born at a time of year that was warm enough for “shepherds watching their flocks by night”. There are times where it is colder out and shepherds are not likely to watch their flocks, and it’s clear that Jesus was not born during colder months.
Hence, early Christians attempted to pick a day to celebrate. It seemed fitting to celebrate at the end of the year like most pagans because it was easier to convert pagans to Christianity that way. As pagans celebrated the winter solstice with much pomp and gift-giving, it fit well with the opportunity to bring Christ into the season and celebrate him instead of pagan gods. Of course, there’s also the origin of “Christ’s Mass” conducted by Catholics to reflect “Christ-mas”, and that’s how we got Christ in Christmas and the Beacon of Hope for the World at an end-of-the-year celebration.
If You Are Feeling Hopeless, Look Up and Pray
This year has not been an easy one for anyone except those with abundant wealth. More than 90% of our country is struggling emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and psychologically. If you feel like every ounce of your hope is gone, pray. Pray from your heart, where Jesus abides and hears you.
Pray something like this:
“Oh Lord, I don’t know what to feel anymore. I’m lost, distressed, worried, uncertain, anxious and in need. Please Lord, provide for me and my family. Bring us the help we desperately need. Restore my hope, and give me peace. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.”
You will find the words to pray as you begin. Pray for as long as you feel the need and as often as it brings you hope. The best holiday season is just a prayer away.