Our Hope Has Come! – Healing Spring Christian Ministries

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)

It is a joy to send you such glad tidings! As Christians, we rejoice in the birth of our Savior, knowing that the birth of Christ brings true hope to the world. And this world is always in need of hope – hope in the midst of deep darkness.

Yet it seems that, in some ways, it is harder than ever to share that hope with an aching world. Merely saying, “Merry Christmas!” has become an offense to many. While it is sad that there are those who would take offense at such glad tidings, we should not be surprised. 1 Peter 2:8 (ESV) tells us that, to those who do not believe, Jesus is “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” So when people take offense at Christmas, they are taking offense at Christ.

But the worst thing we can do is fall prey to that spirit of offense. We are called to love as Christ loved. We are called to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). But how can we do this when our words are met with hostility? How can God use us to bring light into the darkness?

It is important to remember that darkness cannot overcome light. When we carry the light of Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. He can easily accomplish things that we cannot do by our own strength — hearts are revived, relationships restored, broken bodies healed, lives renewed. As we head out into this dark world this Christmas season, are you prepared to let the Holy Spirit do His work through you? Are you willing to share the reason for your hope? Are you ready to see what He can do?

Jesus proclaimed, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). Brother and sisters, God has given us this very same Spirit! When we walk in the power of the Spirit, miracles happen. Hope shines brightly. Light overcomes the darkness.

Whatever your circumstances are this Christmas season, know that God sent His Son for you. He has brought light into the world, and He wants you to be a messenger of hope.

Let your light shine brightly, and may the blessings of love, joy and peace be with you and yours as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!

— Shay Mason