“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:7)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God” (Isa. 41:10)
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee…” Phillips Brooks
Lord Jesus, in about a week many of us will be in a sanctuary, public space, online community, or living room… singing “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Holding lit candles, dripping a little wax, and trying to keep our kids and grandkids reigned in till Christmas Day—the day that literally changed everything.
The most memorable line of Phillips Brooks’ hymn reminds us of two heart-dominating realities, and the one and only ultimate resolution. What is life but an interplay, collision, and dance between our deepest hopes and greatest fears? To have each is to be human; to process hope and fear well is to be yours.
So, a tad over a week from Christmas Day, we want to affirm 3 things: First of all, our hope is in you, Jesus—not in people changing or circumstances getting better, not in romance, riches or the results we crave in many areas of life. Though we emotionally vacillate between hope and hopelessness, we can, do, and will trust you, Lord Jesus.
Secondly, we do have fears—Fears of not having enough or being enough. Fears of aging and loneliness. Fears for our parents, siblings, kids, grands, spouses—for everybody in our category called “my loved ones.” Fears of living in this toxically broken and mean-spirited moment in history.
Thirdly, all true hope is fulfilled in you Jesus, and every fear we have is resolved by you. In the coming days, help us distinguish between wishful thinking and selfish demanding, and the eternal hope you have written into our DNA. Not everything we hope for is hope-worthy.
And in ways that will give you the most glory—eliminate, shrink, charm, and utterly transform our fears, Jesus. Drive them out by your love. Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.
