“Optimism is a wish without warrant; Christian hope is a certainty, guaranteed by God Himself.” J. I. Packer

Throw me a line!  This is the cry of the drowning man in the ocean about to be swept out to sea!  His hope is in a line cast toward him in the waves.  This image is also seen in the account of Rahab in Jericho – Joshua and the spies were allowed to escape by a scarlet rope outside the walls of Jericho.  Joshua instructed her to tie this cord of scarlet in the window for her and her family to be spared when the Lord brought down the walls to defeat the city of Jericho.  Sunday I will share the introduction to our Christmas theme – ‘a Thrill of Hope’.  For Rahab, the prophets, the captives of Egypt or Assyria or Babylon – they were all hoping in the promises of the LORD.  For David in the 23rd Psalm – even in the valley of the shadow of death – a glow of hope in the hand of the LORD.  Today, we see many who desperately need hope – not like the world offers that is uncertain and based on luck.  Hope for the soul – hope that is sure – hope that exceeds desire.  

HOPE – CONFIDENT EXPECTATION – UNFULFILLED CERTAINTY!

Join me this Sunday with the Church decorated for Christmas, the songs of Christmas worship and the beacon of Christmas hope – from the star of Bethlehem to the ‘hope’ we have in Christ.

Pastor Mike