by Desiree Bustamante

The name of Jesus is the hope of all the world.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

   “This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:

‘Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not fight or shout
or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
And his name will be the hope
of all the world.’”
Matthew 12:17-21 New Living Translation

Every year Santa comes to the park near our house to greet our neighborhood. Fire engines escort him, announcing his arrival with their sirens. Children rush out to greet him and tell Santa what gifts they hope to receive at Christmas, while their parents take pictures of the cherished moments. After 15 minutes pass, Santa is on his way to another nearby park to await the excitement of other families.

Christ came to be the hope of the world yet, as time goes on, a smaller percentage of the world believes that He came to be their hope and Savior. The world may share the story of Santa Claus with their children and run to see Him every year to get a traditional photo, but fewer people share the story of Jesus’ birth and the meaning of that birth.

Yet, for all the seemingly joyful Christmas traditions, this holiday is one of the most stressful and anxiety-filled times of the year, especially for those who don’t recognize Jesus as their hope. We who are believers know that His name is the hope of all the world. He is the Christ who was, who is, and who will come again. He is our Savior, Lord and King!

Celebrate this season with the assurance that Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus! And share that excitement and hope with others who don’t yet know the peace, love and hope found in a personal relationship with Jesus, the true hope of all the world.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado