| Sermon Summary by Susanna Deepthi |
As we reflect on the year 2024, it was possibly a rollercoaster of emotions, disappointments, and surprises—much like any other year. Amidst nations at war, cities in constant conflict, and reports of injustice and natural disasters, we often wonder if things will ever improve. Is there hope for this dark and gloomy world? Mental health statistics reveal that 1 in 4 people face mental health challenges, with 44 million people globally suffering from depression. In India, 25% of urban residents feel depressed and hopeless. We live in disturbing times and the present world is indeed weary!
Two thousand years ago, the situation was not much different. There was a sense of gloom, desperation, and despair. Humanity was estranged from its Creator, and the nation of Israel felt abandoned and distant from God. The world was wounded and weary. The need was not for a reformer, politician, philosopher, guru, or motivational speaker but for a Savior. The announcement of the birth of the Messiah brought a thrill of hope to the forlorn shepherds. This was good news.
Luke 2:10,11 states: “But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
The shepherds became messengers of this good news; the message however, is for all humanity, regardless of caste, colour, creed, or time. The birth of the Saviour is a message of hope!
This message of hope is applicable for all time - past, present,and future.
Fulfilled Hope in the Past: Reconciliation through the Savior
Jesus was the promised Messiah. The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies about the Messiah's birth (Micah, Isaiah, Psalms, and other books). His birth fulfilled Israel's long-awaited hope. Humanity's primary condition was not ignorance that could be addressed with information, nor was it apathy that could be cured with motivational talk. The condition was marked by sin and hostility, revealing a need for forgiveness and reconciliation - the need for a Savior who rescues, redeems, and reconciles. Reconciliation between humanity and God brought peace to the earth and apostle Paul reminds us of this in Romans 5:10 -11. The host of angels proclaimed this message of peace and goodwill to humanity in Luke 2:14 - “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
When we repent of our sins and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we can experience true redemption and His genuine peace.
Promised Hope for the Present: His Presence, Peace, and Purpose
As God's people who have received Him, we may still face challenges in life. There is suffering, pain, and brokenness in our lives which stem from our own sin or the consequences of another's sin. However, the good news of the gospel offers us hope not only for our past but also for our present. Our God, who took on human flesh, knows our weaknesses and trials. He understands our hurt and pain and ministers to us at our point of need. God’s promise of peace is for those who have God’s favour (Luke 2:14). As God's favoured people who have faith in Him, we can encounter Him in our present circumstances.
For He has promised us His:
• Presence as Immanuel: No matter how lonely or rejected we feel, we can take comfort in knowing He is with us. We can experience His healing presence when we reach out to Him. Jesus has promised to be with us until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
• Peace as the Prince of Peace: When we are afraid, sad, resentful, guilty, or ashamed, we can ask God to help us.He will help us in our weakness and help us overcome.He will fill our hearts with peace as He promised in John 14:27.
• Purpose as the Wonderful Counsellor: Whether we are confused, lost, hopeless, or in despair, there is a counsellor to help us. He gives us a purpose to live and shows us the way. Jesus has promised us His Holy Spiritas a counsellor to guide us always (John 16:13).
In the midst of suffering, we hold tightly to the hope, knowing that no matter how painful it may be, it will not last forever.For a hopeful future awaits us.
Anticipated Hope for the Future: Perfection of All Creation
God has a perfect future planned for us. Joni Eareckson Tada stated, “On this side of eternity, Christmas is still a promise. Yes, the Saviour has come but the story is not finished. Every Christmas is still a turning of the page till He returns…”
Our God the King will soon return and bring to eternal completion our joy, hope, and peace. He will restore His kingdom, making everything new and whole, bringing people into harmony with each other and with the Creator. Paul reminds us of this restoration in Romans 8:20-21: “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
This future was explained by Michael Bird as the day, "when the shackles of slavery are replaced with freedom and the darkness of destitution is driven away by rays of divine glory. This is good news…". This is good news for all humanity, filling us with hope.
Indeed, this weary world can rejoice in the hope that has been fulfilled, the hope that is promised, and the hope that lies ahead. This fills us with a thrill to keep pressing on.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".
Romans 15:13