“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (Ps.56:3). “Those who hope in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar eagle-high, run without weariness, walk without fainting” (Isa.40:31). “Don’t be afraid… I hold the keys…” (Rev.1:17-18).
Lord Jesus, it’s just November 18th but the trend continues. First it was a couple of mailboxes in our neighborhood, then a front door or three, and now a few houses are already in full bore “Christmas-Vacation”-decoration-mode. And we haven’t had Thanksgiving lunch yet. I understand why, so I’m not reaching for my Advent Policeman cap-and-pad to write citations.
Before long, we’ll be singing “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.” But that was true long before it became a song about your birth. Jesus, because of you, we can risk hoping, and because of you we’re not afraid to own our fears. Accordingly, 37 days from Christmas we want to affirm these three things: First of all, our hope is in you—not in cabinet appointments or lower taxes—not in the “old ways” or new romance, more money or less hassles.
Second, we do have fears. Jesus, we fear “the crazy” and “meanness” that permeate our culture. We fear people who sneeze. We fear our fickleness and unbelief. We fear what the future will be like for our grandchildren. We fear lab reports, aging, rejection, and more trauma. You know all this, so we don’t have to pretend. Thank you.
Third, we affirm our hopes and fears find full and final resolution in you, Jesus. You are the “Yes” to every promise God made (2Cor.1:20), and your perfect love drives out our fears (1Jn.4:18) But you aren’t merely our “happy ending,” right now you are our life (Phil.1:21)—that is, our “righteousness, holiness, redemption” (1Cor.1:30); our “portion,” joy, and inheritance. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.