Introduction

As we enter the season of Advent, we often find ourselves surrounded by messages of hope. It’s in the lights decorating our homes, the songs playing in stores, and even in the wishes of good cheer exchanged between neighbors. But what exactly are we hoping for? Upon what are we placing our hope? Is your hope anchored in something lasting or something fleeting? Take a moment to consider: What are you hoping for this Christmas season?

If I’m being transparent, I have to admit that it’s easy to get caught up in daily challenges and more significant struggles, which can have a tendency to cause me to misplace my hope for the future in worldly things—my wife, family, and friends; my career or related side hustles; my investment portfolio; the sports teams I root for; or even the government.

These hopes aren’t inherently wrong, but when we let them become our primary focus, when we try to make them the things we look toward to brighten our future, we risk missing out on the true hope of Christmas.

The hope of Christmas is not about the material things or even the temporary joys that we find during the holidays. It’s about something far more significant—the hope that comes from knowing we are part of an eternal story, written by a loving Creator who gave us His Son. This hope means that for those of us who have accepted the gift of salvation that Jesus offers, our eternal victory over all of life’s challenges is already secured.

A Deeper Hope

Worldly hopes are often temporary and tied to circumstances, but the hope of Christmas is anchored in something that transcends our immediate challenges.

I’ve shared previously about the roller coaster ride that has been my career over the last few years. One of the ups and downs I’ve grappled with is the longevity of my current job. When I focus on that, I have a tendency to place my hope in new opportunities, either with my current employer or with other companies. While there’s nothing wrong with pursuing new positions, I have to remember that these challenges are temporary in the scheme of eternity, and that God is working for my good. He has a plan for me.

Our lives are marked by struggles, and sometimes those struggles are significant. Financial hardships, strained relationships, health battles, and personal losses can make it easy to lose sight of hope. When we let our current circumstances dictate our outlook on life, we lose sight of the eternal promise that God has given us—a promise of an eternal future with Him, free from suffering of any kind. The real hope of Christmas reminds us that there is so much more than what we see right now.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us:

The hope we have in Christ isn’t a fleeting feeling or a wishful thought. It’s an anchor—something that holds us steady even when the storms of life threaten to pull us under. It keeps us grounded, knowing that our eternal future is secure because of Jesus’ birth, His death, and His resurrection. This hope allows us to face today’s challenges with a different perspective—one that is not weighed down by fear but lifted by the assurance of God’s promises.

In Lamentations 3:22-26, the prophet Jeremiah writes:

This passage is a powerful reminder that God’s love and mercy are unending. Even in the midst of sorrow or pain, we can find hope in His steadfast love. The hope of Christmas is the assurance that God is with us—not just during the moments of joy but in the midst of our pain and suffering as well. His compassions are new every morning, giving us strength to face whatever lies ahead.

Whenever I grapple with career uncertainty, I have found and continue to find comfort in God. I regularly need to reset my hope from things of this world to the hope of eternity.

The True Hope of Christmas

I have to remind myself that the true hope of Christmas is found in Jesus—the Savior who stepped down from heaven to bring us redemption and everlasting life. The Apostle John points out:

Jesus coming to dwell among us is the ultimate expression of God’s love and the foundation of our hope.

This Advent season, I want to remind myself daily that my ultimate hope doesn’t reside in my job, or any of the things of this world. Would it help you to focus on that, too? Hope is not found in gifts, parties, or even in the temporary happiness that can come from being surrounded by loved ones. It’s found in the truth that we have been given a Savior who has secured our eternity. Because of Him, we have the hope of eternal life—a life free from pain, sadness, fear, or loss.

What hopes have been guiding your heart this season?

As we prepare for Christmas, let’s anchor ourselves in this hope. Let’s remember that no matter what challenges we face today, there is a future awaiting us that is more glorious than anything we could imagine. Jesus is our hope—the hope that does not disappoint, the hope that remains firm and secure, and the hope that carries us through every season of life.

Conclusion

As you celebrate this season, find small ways to anchor your heart in the eternal hope Christ offers, whether it’s reading a favorite scripture, spending time in prayer, or sharing the love of Christ with someone who needs it. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and the eternal hope He offers. We should remind ourselves and others that the hope of Christmas goes beyond the fleeting joys of this world and points us to the promise of an eternal future with our loving Savior.

How can you achieve those things? Perhaps start each day by reading a scripture about hope or spend a moment in quiet prayer, focusing on the eternal promises of God.

How will you choose to anchor your hope in Jesus this Advent season?

May this hope bring you peace, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose, not just during this Christmas season, but every day throughout the year.