Hope in despair
(0212220927-1011,0712221753-1823)
There was great despair
during the time
when Jesus was born.
Israel couldn’t govern themselves
but was occupied by the Romans.
For the purpose of increasing the
taxation
they started a census.
Mary and Joseph
had to leave their home in Nazareth
and while being very pregnant
find their way to Bethlehem.
The despair was also great
upon arrival there
because no one offered them
any housing and they had to be
satisfied with a stinky stable.
Far away from their actual residence,
far away from friends and relatives,
far from any protection and hygiene
the savior of the world
was born.
He who owned everything
saw the light of the world
in the most insignificant places
of the world.
He, who is the hope of the world,
arrived in the midst of the
greatest
hopelessness.
If Mary and Joseph did not exactly know
who it was that was going to see
the light of the world
they would have probably despaired
in their unfortunate situation.
But they had hope.
They knew it was the king of the world
that was going to be born.
Even today,
no matter how hopeless and desperate
our current situation is,
no matter how much fear
the media is injecting in us,
no matter what happens to our economy
our perspective reaches
far beyond the here and now
if we focus on Jesus,
know his words
and allow us to be lead
and guided by him.
He is still the light of the world.
The darker things get all around us
the brighter he shines.
His words and deeds are in sharp contrast
to anything that currently happens
in this world.
His words in God’s Word
give comfort and security,
strength, support, and courage
in our days today.
Good for those who know them.
Jesus is hope for the hopeless,
salvation for the lost,
comfort for the fearful,
direction for the confused,
and security for the insecure.
Especially in our situation today
it is more important than ever
to know him.
He did not shy away
from any difficulties
to come close to us.
He did not shy away
from despair and destress
in order to take us out of
our destress.
The child in the manger
that we celebrate
is the savior of the world
and wants to be your savior as well.
Is it not high time to be saved
and to get to know him better?
He is so much more
than only the baby
whose birthday we remember
during Christmas.
Theme: There is still hope for
today
