Why Christmas inspires hope, even at the end of this difficult year
By Dean Collins
Does any of this sound familiar?
• Political unrest as the nation’s leaders fail and the religious leaders do no better.
• Days of glory in the past, but they seem so long ago.
• Discouraged people because life feels hopeless.
We may think of current events, but I’m describing the mood and the reality of the Israelites several centuries before Jesus was born.
David’s and Solomon’s glory days were in the distant past. The kingdom was divided and the Assyrians were breathing down on the surrounding towns. But the failed leadership of Micah’s day would not last forever. Micah prophesied that a new ruler and a new way of life would come, and this was a welcome word to the people who desperately needed help, hope, and something to believe in.
Shocking words
The words of the prophet must have sounded shocking. Bethlehem? The ruler of Judah would come from the insignificant town of Bethlehem? Yes, the greatest King, David, was born in Bethlehem. But would his little clan of Judah produce a new king? It seemed unlikely in light of current events, yet the mention of the name caused some to consider hope. Added to this was the news that this new king, too, would be a shepherd. Oh how a shepherd was needed, especially one who would find his strength from almighty God and not through title or rhetoric! The result of a shepherd like that would bring security and joy to God’s chosen ones.
But God’s promises would not come true immediately, so Micah told God’s people, in their season of waiting, how to live: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.”
Centuries later, before Mary and Joseph even thought of traveling to Bethlehem, the angel appeared to her and announced that she would be the vessel of the Savior. As she visited with Elizabeth she couldn’t help but declare praise to the almighty God. Her words reflect the very spirit of the prophet Micah. She spoke with humility and kindness as she carried the child that would bring mercy and justice to the world.
Surprising fulfilment
Neither Micah nor his contemporaries could have imagined a virgin from Nazareth would carry the Christ child. Joseph and Mary trusted the words from the angel but could not see, in their season of waiting for a birth, all that God had orchestrated nor how the Christ child would impact the world for all time. But they waited and they traveled to Bethlehem to register and to pay their taxes. God would take care of the rest.
Waiting with hope
In our season of waiting at the end of a turbulent year, many face their own disappointments, fears, and uncertainty. It’s hard to imagine how God will turn things around. Some days it’s hard even to hope. But we must, because this is the God we worship: The God who can arrange for prophets to declare truth centuries in advance. The God who can arrange for a young couple to relocate at just the right time due to a government tax that results in the fulfillment of God’s Word. The God who leads a teenage mother to humbly accept her role in birthing a Savior is the same God who can change anything and everything in a moment and for his glory.
So we must wait. And as we wait we look for ways to live humbly, love others with kindness, and do the right and just things for all people every day. Hope is rising. Hold on and trust the coming King.
Your time with God’s Word
Micah 5:2-4 ; Luke 2:4, 5; Micah 6:8; Luke 1:46-55 ESV
Photo by Arisa Chattasa on Unsplash
