Our Hope Rests in the Lord

Matthew 2: 7-8

“7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

King Herod’s secret desire was not to worship the child, but to murder him.  God blessed the world by sending the Christ child into it; the Christ child’s birth was celebrated by the heavenly hosts; and the only emotion that this birth evoked in King Herod was fear, jealousy, and anger.

The worldly powers did not understand God’s gift to the world. 

The world today still does not.  There is a song titled “Peace on Earth” by Casting Crowns whose words are especially relevant:

“And in despair I bowed my head

There is no peace on earth I said

For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men”

Many people, including believers, are in despair today and have lost hope.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Where is our hope?

Our hope rests in the Lord.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)