The Hope That Holds Us Together
Hope is more than just a feel-good word or a desire for better circumstances. Hope is found in the person of Jesus Christ, and he is the steady foundation that anchors our souls.
We hear a lot about hope this time of year. We sing lyrics like, “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,” and, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” But is this hope more than just a vague optimism, or a seasonal sentiment?
Perhaps, like me, you’ve faced disappointments this year. People have let you down. Dreams you once held close have been delayed for a time, or altogether crushed. Maybe you’re so exhausted from the events of 2025 that you can’t even begin thinking ahead to 2026.
A Hope That Holds Onto Us
If this is you, I hope you find encouragement as I have in realizing more deeply that Jesus Christ is the concrete reality of our hope. He is the firm foundation of our faith, the foundation that is certain, yet unseen. An anchor not only to hold onto, but one that is simultaneously holding onto me. We find encouragement in the words found in Hebrews 6:19:
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”
David Guzik states, “We don’t need an anchor for calm seas. The rougher the weather the more important your anchor is.” Through life’s deepest trials, we can stay both anchored securely and confidently progressing forward in our faith, because the hope of Jesus Christ is anchored beyond the curtain in the very presence of God.
We’ve never been more informed about all the ways the world is broken than we are today. But Christ came for this brokenness. There will always be a reason in this life to despair, but because of Jesus, there will always be a greater reason to hope. Ephesians 2:12-14 reminds us:
“At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise. Without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one, and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.”
Hope Amidst Turmoil
Through Jesus, we have been brought near through his blood and guaranteed an inheritance sealed by God’s oath. As it says in Hebrews 6:17-18: “God confirmed his promise with an oath so that we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.” Today, amid all the bad news and turmoil going on, I join millions of other believers and take hold of the hope set before me.
Charles Spurgeon says it well: “Hope itself is like a star. Not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. It is the anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast.”
The characters in the Christmas story understood the hopelessness of a world so dark, cold, and one where, for hundreds of years, the voice of God had been silent. Yet, in the middle of waiting on unfulfilled promises, they continued to faithfully cling to hope amid adversity and to believe in the promises of God.
Simeon and Anna are beautiful examples of two who remained righteous and hopeful even to old age, and because of this, their hope was rewarded when they held Jesus in their arms. The spirit of God gave witness that this was the promised Messiah. And though they wouldn’t live to see all that Jesus would do on earth or his sacrifice for the sins of the world, it was enough. Their hope was satisfied. They knew that every promise of God would be fulfilled through the life of this helpless baby.
And so, the beautiful carols we sing this time of year aren’t just mere tradition and folklore. They proclaim truth about THE TRUTH. And even when hope seems to be fading back into the shadows, we can be assured that all our hopes and fears can be met in the Incarnate Christ. And that is why this weary world, and we, its weary people, can rejoice.
Jesus is Our Hope
As you celebrate the season of Christ's coming into the world this year, perhaps you should reflect on a situation in your life where you are tempted to lose hope.
Remember that Christ, in coming to this world, has already intervened and made a way for you. He knows you; you are in his thoughts, on his mind, and he’s got you. His plan for you is not necessarily that your situation will work out the way you planned, although it may, but that your hope will shift from a circumstance to a person… the person of Jesus.
There’s a song I love to lead this time of year. It holds a simple melody and an even simpler message, but what a powerful reminder it gives.
“Hope has a name, his name is Jesus. My Savior's cross has set the sinner free. Hope has a name, his name is Jesus. Christ be praised, I have victory.”
