Apples of Gold

When I was a young child I had a pretty good grasp on the hope that being a follower of Jesus would bring me when the transition from this life to the next took place. I didn’t understand the reality of God’s earnest desire to have an intimate relationship with me in the here and now. Thankfully, my time in the Word and interaction with God, as well as other believers, has helped me to have a more complete understanding of the hope that God brings us not only for eternity, but for the day to day ups and downs. Not only is he guiding the weather and the animals but he delights in us!

Sing out your thanks to the LORD; sing praises to our God with a harp. He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures. He gives food to the wild animals and feeds the young ravens when they cry. He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the LORD’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:7-11

The cavern between those who have embraced the Word of God and the God of the Word, and those who have not seems to be widening at a frightening pace. At times it is difficult to navigate the hostility that seems to be rising not only against God but those who truly follow his word. But should we be surprised?

But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 1 Corinthians 2:14

It is almost as though we are speaking a foreign language-hopefully not because we are using Christianese in our interactions-but rather our lives run contrary to the rules of the game. Putting others first, giving, not to get something back, but just to give, avoiding temptations that are commonplace; these things are strange to those who do not have the Holy Spirit working in their lives. 

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Thessalonians 5:15-18

I have watched followers of Jesus walk through very difficult times and retain their hope and faith. Rather than seeking revenge, they pray for those who have wronged them, forgiving them and sometimes even helping them. 

This is possible only because we have hope for our future. We have trust in a God who we cannot see, and yet he is closer than our own breath. 

So many around us are living without a sense of hope; disappointed with life circumstances, imprisoned by poor choices, unsure of what lies ahead not only for tomorrow but more importantly for eternity. Scratching their heads, they watch the unnatural behavior of those who have sold-out to Jesus. Solomon so accurately described what we see happening all around us:

When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Proverbs 29:18

To so many the Christmas season represents stress, extra events, huge credit card bills, and maybe a few sappy movies but they are completely missing the point. 

Then Isaiah said, Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well. All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:13-14

Jesus’ birth brought hope. Not just a hope for eternity in Heaven, but the hope that comes from Immanuel, God with us right now. God with us in the good times, God with us in the bad times. Forgiveness, strength, guidance, provision, unconditional love. 

If there is just one thing that we share this Christmas Season, may it be the hope that Jesus has given us. If we spend more time presenting him than we do chasing after presents the lives of those around us can be impacted for eternity. 

This well-known Christmas hymn, written by John Sullivan Dwight, depicts the true reason that his birth brought hope:

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, 

It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.

Long lay the world in Sin and error pining, 

’Til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth. 

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, 

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

O night divine O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night divine.