Hope for the Holidays

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
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As we start a new year, the Bible tells us there can be hope for the future.
First, there is hope of a changed person.  No matter how hard we try, we are incapable of ridding ourselves of the selfishness and greed that cause conflict and strife and war.  Our only hope is a changed heart – Jesus is in the business of changing hearts.

Second, there is hope of changed world.  When we know Christ, He gives us by His Spirit a new love and concern for others.  We can no longer be indifferent to their sufferings, and we’ll want to do something about them.  Changed by Christ, we can begin to change our world.
Third, there is hope of an unchanging eternity in Heaven.  This world is not all there is.  Someday all its pain and heartache will come to an end for those who know Christ (Revelation 21:4).  Evil and death will be abolished, and we will be safely in God’s presence forever.

As you read the headlines or look at your own life, you may be wondering if there is any hope.  The answer from the Bible is a resounding yes.
These encouraging words of wisdom come from January 2nd of Billy Graham’s Wisdom for Each Day.  God is in the business of changing lives and situations and God uses us as agents of change.  No matter how much a person or a situation disappoints or discourages us, I pray that we will never lose hope.    Let us all hold on to our eternal hope while we trust in God who can transform our lives and the world.

Happy New Year!