"A Child, Our Symbol Of Hope"

Hope, an expectation of things to come. Hope, something we can't live without. We are all hoping for something. Maybe it is a new job, a cure, a new day, a brighter tomorrow. What are you hoping for? The best symbol of hope I can think of is a child. In Biblical times, you were considered cursed if you did not have a child and blessed if you did. No child, no hope, but when a child was conceived, it brought hope. Hope that the curse would be removed and you would be given new life. Children are signs of a bright future, one filled with joy. Look back with me at some stories of hope brought on by the birth of a child. Sarah and Abraham were given hope for the fulfillment of God's promise for a great nation through the birth of Isaac. Hannah was given hope when she conceived Samuel, the child she had yearned and soaked the altar in prayer for. Elizabeth was barren for many years before her baby John was brought into the world. Can you feel the joy and excitement a long awaited baby brought to these women? There were other times when the loss of a child brought great sorrow. Jacob grieved greatly at the loss of his favorite son Joseph at the hands of his brothers. David lost his child and mourned for him deeply. The Shunammite women was promised a son by the prophet Elisha and was given one. He later became sick and died. What great joy, after intense sorrow, was in that house when the child was risen from the dead by Elisha? But the greatest story of hope, was the birth of Jesus. His birth is one that can be celebrated with joy by all. His birth brings hope to my soul. It is personal. This baby brings into our sinful world, the hope for a cure for our wickedness. This child is our symbol of hope, a symbol of things to come, a brighter tomorrow and a heavenly future. This week worship the child that gives us hope.

Ephesians 2:12-13 "that at that time you were without Christ, ... having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Titus 2: 13-14 "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed...."
Hebrews 6:11-12 "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."