Hoping Versus Wishing

As we begin to celebrate the birth of the Savior on Christmas (that is why we celebrate, right?), many of us look at this time of the year to find much needed hope for our lives and for the world we live in. We hope for our prayers to be answered, we hope to have family around us and we hope to keep our new year's resolution.

For many, these are more wishes than hope. They are said or thought with uncertainty; not knowing if they will happen or not. When one wish is not granted, we move on to another hoping at some point we get what we want.

Christians can and should have a much different definition of the word hope. For believers, it is an action word that is based on the infallible belief that God's promises can and will be answered. Our hope stems from our faith in a loving Savior who promised to never leave us or forsake us. Our hope is in a Heavenly Father that promised us a home where there is no more pain or sorrow. A Christian's hope is not something we wish for not knowing the outcome.

What makes a believer's definition different than an un-believer? The One we have our hope in...

I look forward to celebrating advent this month during service and honoring Who our hope is in.

Pastor Aaron