Christmas is a wonderful time of year. For many it’s filled with spending time with family, attending Christmas parties, and eating special holiday food. Shops and malls ring with music and voices singing, “Joy to the World!” and “Tis the season to be jolly!” There are manger scenes displayed in churches and around the neighborhood. It’s usually a happy time of family, food, fellowship, celebration, and festivity.

But more importantly, it’s a time of hope for you and me as we remember the true meaning of Christmas. It’s about the fact that God sent His Son Jesus to be born of human flesh — as Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’”

Understanding that Jesus came in human form gives each of us who believe in Him not just a hope for today, but for tomorrow as well … the hope to experience and live in the destiny and purpose God created us for as well as the hope that we will live one day in heaven with our Creator.

The good news of Christmas is that God brought hope to all people, regardless of their background, their social or economic state, or what country they live in. When the angels made their announcement to the shepherds, they made this very clear: “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

The children ChildHope ministers to every day in the poorest of barrios throughout Latin America have hope as well! Not only during the Christmas season, but for eternity … because you have given them this wonderful gift of hope — Jesus!

Every day the students in our schools hear that God is with them, that God loves them, that God wants to use them. That no matter what poverty they live in, no matter what society may say about them, God (Immanuel) is with them always.

And it happens because of you! You have given hope to children, their schools, and their communities. And for that I want to say: Thank you!

Hope is a powerful force, and Christmas brings hope.

May God fill your heart with hope this holiday season. What the angels expressed long ago is also my prayer for you, your family, and the world we live in: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 

[From the December 2017 issue of the Compañeros newsletter]

What can you do? Pray about sponsoring a child or give a special gift today!