But we have a hope that's stronger than any of this, stronger even than death. The hope of God comes in the form of a tiny baby, a helpless child; nevertheless, who grew to a man and in his fragile strength was willing to die on the cross and was raised again.
I hope today, just a few days before we celebrate the birth of Jesus, you have completed your preparations for Christmas Day. I imagine your preparations might have included some baking and cooking, present buying, connecting with friends both near and far through visits, calls, and written notes, emailed, texted, or mailed. And perhaps through the years your family has developed some traditions that help you remember this celebration of hope and love in a special way. We at Holy Trinity have developed some traditions that help to fill us with peace, hope, joy and love. Our Advent wreath at the front of the church now has 4 candles lit, and we will light the central candle, the Christ candle, on Christmas Eve. As I write this, the property team is decorating the church with white banners, green, and poinsettias. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we will join together in celebratory worship, to listen to the account of that day long ago when Jesus born, to sing those wonderful old and new Christmas carols, and to greet one another. These traditions help to remind us that because of God’s love for us, we have hope stronger than anything we can comprehend. This Christmas season ”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13