Hope Has Begun

 In January, I’ll begin teaching an adult Sunday School class on the Old Testament book of Joshua.  Telling the story of how the Israelite people came into the land that was promised to their ancestors all the way back to Abraham, the book is filled with stories that amaze, surprise, and mess with our 21^st century sensibilities.  Seen only with a narrow focus, the book makes us wonder whether the God of love that we know is the same God we see in the book.  But when viewed in the context of the overarching story of God’s plan for the redemption of His creation, the book makes sense and is one that brings comfort to God’s people.

The main commentary I am using for the class is titled “No Falling Words.”  That title refers to the idea that whatever words God speaks…whatever promises he makes…whatever he says will be done…those things indeed will be done…will be carried out…will be completed.  Joshua is filled with evidence of the God of Abraham keeping His promises…keeping his word…never letting his words fall away unfulfilled.

Not only could the book of Joshua be titled “No Falling Words,” rather, every book of the Bible could have that title.  The Bible is filled with stories and accounts of God keeping his word…keeping his promises…keeping his people.  And the pinnacle of those promises was first uttered in Genesis chapter 3 when God promised that the offspring of Eve would crush the head of the serpent, who had caused Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit.  Throughout the rest of the Old Testament, that promise was made in some form or another as God worked with His people and His creation to bring about its fulfillment.

And as Christians have long believed, that promise was fulfilled in the coming of the baby seen first in a manger in a stable in a backwater town in first century Israel.  As Amy Grant sings in her song, “Love Has Come,” hope…real hope…had indeed begun when Immanuel entered the world.  Listen to the chorus of that song.

 Love has come For the world to know, As the wise men knew Such a long time ago

And I believe that angels sang That hope had begun, When the God of glory Who is full of mercy

Yes, the God of glory Sent his son

 I know that there are many for whom the holiday season is not one of merry-making and joy.  Family relationships that are off base, loved ones who have passed away during the holidays, illness, depression, anxiety, and other issues that humanity faces every day get in the way of the wishful bliss of a merry and happy holiday season.

Even so…even with all that takes away the joy and happiness of the season…even with all of that, we can still rest in the truth that Hope has begun, and because of the resurrection of Christ that hope endures.

Whatever your circumstance during this time, know that with God, there are No Falling Words…that the Hope of the creation is alive and well.  May your days ahead be blessed days; and may you find that the baby in the manger brings you hope and blessing.