The Hope of the World

As we head into the holiday season, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the world’s troubles pressing down on us, echoing those distant days when Jesus made His humble entrance into this world.

Back at that time, God’s people had their own set of woes to contend with: living under the iron fist of Rome, taxed to the hilt, and suffering under the indifferent rule of King Herod, a man too wrapped up in his own power to care about the lives he governed. The voice of prophecy had been silent for what felt like an eternity, and the long-awaited Messiah seemed like nothing more than a distant dream.

The air was thick with fear and unrest, with zealots like Barabbas stirring up trouble, believing that violence was the answer to their prayers.

Fast forward to today, and Christmas should be a season of hope and joy. Yet for many, it’s a time shadowed by worry and pain. Financial strains, fractured relationships, health struggles, or simply the relentless rush of the holidays can transform a season meant for peace into a period of stress and sorrow.

But amid all this turmoil, there’s a promise that remains as true now as it did that starry night in Bethlehem. The angels proclaimed it loud and clear:

Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Luke 2:10 ESV).

Just as the glory of God lit up the skies for those weary shepherds, it can break through into your life today, no matter how dark it may seem. His promise is steadfast, a beacon of hope and light. Let this season be a reminder that God can and will intervene in your circumstances, bringing a peace that surpasses all understanding, turning your holiday season into one truly filled with His divine love.

Take Heart

I can’t help but be astounded whenever I read these words of Jesus:

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33 ESV).

He could have given us a much different message: “If you make Me your Lord and Savior, you will never have another problem! No more trials or tribulations will come your way! You’ll experience constant victory, without even having to face a battle!”

Yet the Bible never promises that our lives will always be easy. The great pillars of our faith all walked through their own fires … endured their own waiting … and often faced persecution along the way.

No, we’re not promised a trouble-free, pain-free life. But the promise of Christmas is actually something far better: Jesus will be our Immanuel—God with us in every situation (Matthew 1:23).

King David had discovered this amazing truth hundreds of years before Jesus even was born:

Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4 CSB).

Friend, I hope you will let these words sink in. Even if you are going through “the darkest valley” of your life today, you don’t have to be afraid. Why? Because the Lord is with you, right there in the midst of it all.

Anxious for Nothing

Often, the light of God’s love and faithfulness shines its brightest in our darkest days. Some of the Bible’s most profound declarations of gratitude, contentment, and joy came from the apostle Paul—not from a place of triumph, but from the confines of a prison cell.

Unless we understand the context, it might seem audacious for Paul to tell the Philippians they should “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4 NKJV). Yet the apostle had experienced that constant joy in his own life, even in the most challenging of times.

He went on to write that we can cure our anxiety and experience God’s peace by centering our attention on Christ Jesus:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV).

I don’t know what trials you might be facing this Christmas. Maybe it’s something that feels insurmountable and deeply painful.

But let me highlight Paul’s reassuring promise: When our hope is anchored in the Lord, we can find His peace in everything and need to be anxious about nothing. That’s my prayer for you this joyous season.

Bringing Hope to Others

Even as God brings you His hope and peace this holiday season, I pray you won’t forget about your opportunity to spread the Good News to others who need to experience the Savior’s love. On the first Christmas, the angelic choir didn’t just bring hope to a few shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem, but their joyous message was offered “to all people” (Luke 2:10 NKJV).

This is a great reminder that Christmas is not just about hope for us as believers—it’s about reaching the entire world with the hope of the Gospel. I love how The Message renders Matthew 12:21: “The mere sound of His name will signal hope, even among far-off unbelievers.”

Dear friend, “far-off unbelievers” still need the message of hope today. Through your partnership with Inspiration Ministries, people in more than 200 nations and territories have responded to the Good News of Jesus this year. I say thank you. And more importantly, countless people in Heaven will one day embrace you with a joyous thank you for sending them the Gospel.

This Christmas, I’m praying you will wholeheartedly give yourself to the Lord and experience more of His peace than ever before. I also urge you to visit inspiration.org/DEC2024 to give Him the gift He came to give His life for … souls.

As we celebrate Jesus’ first coming, let’s never forget that He will be coming again soon. Every day and every dollar count as we share a life-changing message of hope throughout the world.

Your partner to reach the lost,

David Cerullo