As we celebrate another Christmas season, consider this: What does hope truly mean to you? Is it merely a wish, or could it be something more profound—an unwavering confidence, a confident expectation in promises yet to unfold?
Join us in this transformative episode, where we unravel the essence of hope intertwined with the promise of Jesus. Delve into the significance of hope as more than a fleeting desire, but as a steadfast anchor for the soul, echoing the timeless message of Christmas. Embrace the season with renewed understanding as we explore the profound connection between what it means to truly hope and the fulfilled promises of God as seen in birth of our Savior in “Jesus is Hope.”
SETTING THE SCENE:
- World filled with political turmoil, division, and oppressive regimes
- Yearning for justice, peace, and freedom
- Searching for a leader to deliver them from despair, inequality, and corruption
- Deep spiritual hunger across diverse cultures and faith backgrounds
- Seeking meaning, purpose, and connection with the divine
- Hope fading amidst global problems and a sense of hopelessness
Surprising revelation: Described world from over two thousand years ago, not the present day
- Backdrop of Israel under Roman Empire’s oppressive occupation
- Craving deliverance and liberation from political turmoil
- Searching for the long-awaited Messiah to bring hope, restore the nation, and establish justice and peace
- Spiritual longing for a deeper connection with God
- Seeking fulfillment beyond empty rituals and traditions
- Desiring a genuine encounter with the divine to quench their thirst for meaning and transcendence.
LOOKING FOR THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH – SIMEON
- Matthew 12:18-21 (quoting Isaiah 42:1-4)
- Luke 2:25-35
HOPE IS A CONFIDENT EXPECTATION IN GOD’S PROMISES
- Why is hope needed?
- Proverbs 13:12
- What does hope mean to you? (v) To trust in, wait for, look for, or desire something or someone; or to expect something beneficial in the future.
- Hebrews 10:23
HOPE IS AN ANCHOR
- Hebrews 6:16-20
- Romans 5:3-5
LIVE LIFE WITH RELENTLESS HOPE OF THE COMING OF JESUS
- Returning to the scene set
- Titus 2:11-13
- Romans 15:13
- 1 Peter 3:15b