Turning The Page For Hope

The writing challenge from the Homeschool Review Crew ended December with the topic “turning the page.” I thought of books, and I also thought of turning the page of the new year.

I think we can all agree the year 2020 was nothing less than crazy. Pandemic, civil unrest, political chaos, church and business shutdowns, and so much more. Although I’ve heard many speak of hope for change in the new year, it’s not the turning of a calendar page that fulfills hope.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

Hope does not need to be wishful thinking. Even in the midst of suffering there can be hope. It is much like faith that we direct toward the future hope we have in being resurrected as Jesus was.

At Christmas did you read to your children, from the book of Luke, the story of the birth of Jesus? It’s the most common account read during the holiday. It begins with the foretold birth of John the Baptist and then that of Jesus. Maybe you jumped ahead to the second chapter and went straight to the birth of Jesus.

Turn the page. Jesus is no longer a baby in a manger. The book continues to tell of his life and ministry. He willingly became the sacrifice for our sin. We cannot stand before our Creator without Jesus. Our sin separates us. He had to die on the cross.

Many believers wear a cross as a symbol of their faith. Some wear a crucifix with the image of Jesus on the cross. Don’t get stuck there. Turn the page. He is no longer on the cross.

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:2-3

My friends, do not put your hope in a new year. Turn the pages of God’s Word and be reminded of where your hope comes from. Let us boldly celebrate this New Years Day knowing we have been given a new birth into a living hope.

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10