Christmas is often described as a time of ‘peace and good will to all’. These words are taken from the praises of the heavenly hosts, jubilantly telling of the birth of Jesus: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests’ (Luke 2:14).
But it’s hard to look at the world today, with many countries in conflict and the earth and its inhabitants suffering the effects of the climate crisis, and express great joy. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans encourages the followers of Jesus to be ‘joyful in hope’ (Romans 12:12). At that time, the early church faced persistent persecution. That’s why in the same verse, Paul also urged the Roman Christians to be ‘patient in affliction’. And also ‘faithful in prayer’.
For the next two weeks, as we reflect on Jesus’ birth, be faithful in prayer as we see how hope is described and encouraged throughout the Bible. And even as many people worldwide face affliction, as Christians we should always be joyful and proclaim and demonstrate the hope we have in Jesus. May you also receive a fresh sense of hope this Christmas.
Sunday 15 December
‘Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.’ (Romans 12:12)
Lord God, sometimes it’s hard to be joyful, particularly when the world is in pain. Help us to hold on to hope and be faithful in our prayers for people in greatest need. Amen.
Monday 16 December
‘If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.’ (Romans 8:25)
Lord, be with us as we wait patiently and work persistently for peace and an end to extreme poverty. Fill us with your hope for the world so we can continue to serve you. Amen.
Tuesday 17 December
‘For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.’ (Romans 15:4)
Lord, thank you for the promises in scripture about how you will come in glory and heal our world. Help us to be encouraged today. Amen.
Wednesday 18 December
‘That is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe.’ (1 Timothy 4:10)
Father, as we look back on this year, remind us why we strive to see an end to extreme poverty – because we have hope in the living God. Amen.
Thursday 19 December
‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ (Isaiah 40:31)
Dear God, help to renew our strength in areas where we feel weary and equip us with all we need to keep doing good. Amen.
Friday 20 December
‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’ (Jeremiah 29:11)
Lord God, thank you for the plans you have for each of us. Grant us hope for the future as we live in a troubled world. Amen.
Saturday 21 December
‘There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.’ (Proverbs 23:18)
Father God, thank you that your hope, through your Son Jesus, is for each one of us. Thank you for always being with us and please help to restore our hope in areas where we feel hopeless. Amen.
