Hope is something inside of us that is more than just a wishful thought, but a knowing…a trust of something better.
Chanukah reminds us of Hope.
At the time of the battle between Greek authorities and the Maccabees, Judaism was outlawed in Israel.
This revolt, led by the Jewish priest Matthias and his five sons, inspired and gave hope to all the Jews in the area so much that they eventually drove the Syrians/Greeks out of Jerusalem, thus allowing them to practice their faith.
Christmas brings Hope.
The birth of The Messiah was bringing Hope to many at that time because, again, Israel was under foreign control.
The Freedom that was brought about by The Christ was not a political freedom, which many at the time were looking for, but a freedom within; a spiritual freedom. Jesus of Nazareth guaranteed this freedom if you followed His commandments. This is Hope.
In the Old Testament, Hope does not mean what we come to believe it means today, i.e., something we wish for. In the Old Testament it is interpreted to mean trust.
In the New Testament, Hope is a guarantee, an absolute.
Here are a few examples from the Old Testament:
Psalm 33:22: “Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.”
Psalm 130:7: “Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption.”
And from the New Testament:
Romans 5:2: “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Colossians 1:5: “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;“
There is Hope in the world today. The question is: Are you part of it?
Namaste,
Michael
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