In a world that is constantly filled with trouble and anguish, we desperately need an unshakable hope that uplifts our souls. My friends, as people awaiting the full arrival of God’s salvation, we have found that imperishable hope in Jesus Christ alone.
This deep-rooted confidence echoes across the ages, as evidenced in saints like Simeon who is found in Luke’s Gospel in chapter two. Though elderly, Simeon clung to God’s promise that he would behold the Messiah before death. With steadfast faith fueled by the Spirit, Simeon waited year after year, his anticipation never seemingly to dim.
Imagine Simeon’s awe and elation when Mary and Joseph at last presented infant Jesus at the temple! Taking the long-expected child into his arms, Simeon uttered prophetic praise:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised...my eyes have seen your salvation...a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
Here was tangible hope cradled against Simeon’s chest – a deliverer for all nations, whose redeeming light exposes and turns hearts back to God. Though Jesus’ ministry would also pierce Mary’s soul like a sword, Simeon declared he could now die in peace (Luke 2:34-35).
The faithful endurance of Mary, the mother of Jesus, offers a striking contrast amid the moral failings surrounding Jesus' passion. As Kenneth Bailey illuminates in his book, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes:
"Will Mary's courageous loyalty, evidenced by her presence at the cross, oblige the sinister characters around her to confront their own weakness? Fear and self-interest abound on Calvary's hill. The disciples desert Jesus. Peter denies knowing Him. The priests hypocritically feign devotion to God's temple yet condemn the innocent. Pilate suppresses justice to selfishly guard his career. All are unmasked by the searing light of the cross, revelations made more acute against Mary's profound grief."
Here the sword piercing Mary's soul serves to uncover "the thoughts of many hearts." Surrounded by such faithlessness, her obedient love silently judges. Mary stands like a candle of hope amidst encroaching shadows, illuminating Christ's redemption through anguished participation in His sacrifice. Alongside this grieving mother, we glimpse glimmers of mighty hope rising.
Century after century, followers of Christ have shared Simeon’s steadfast hope despite pain and hardship. C.H. Spurgeon rooted his entire ministry in the Gospel’s hope. Augustine found hope only in God uniting his restless heart. And songs still declare: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.”
For our hope rests in these unchanging truths: Christ has come, is coming and will come again as righteous judge and faithful savior. By His grace, we need no other consolation in life or death. No other foundation forecasts such joy.
My seminary professor, Dr. Gerry Breshears, said this, “Messiah Jesus' mission is to renew the entire cosmos. He enlists us to join in Him in announcing His forgiveness for guilt, His honor for our shame, His cleansing for our defilement and Holy Spirit's gifts of peace and joy in this realm where the Devil is the occupying prince. Let us live as blessed image bearing covenant partners of the Lord Most High.”
Beloved, take heart and trim your lamps. Proclaim this hope until the Lord returns! Though iniquities and injustice abound, our redeemer lives and reigns. We walk not by human understanding but by faith in the One who conquered sin and death. Christ remains our confident hope! Merry Christmas!
