Even first Christmas was picture of hope amid hardship

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Adam Detamore is pastor of Realife Church in Greenfield. Photo submitted

There is an extra sense of anticipation for Christmas this year. Starbucks released its “holiday cups” on Nov. 7. That’s forty-nine days before Christmas. Certainly, our Lord and Savior must be pleased. “I’ll take a Triple Grande White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha, non-fat, light whip, extra hot.” Happy birthday, Jesus!

You see, there’s something about Christmas that gets us in the mood more than any other holiday. People of all ages anticipate Christmas. Whether it’s the music, the gifts, the decorations, the parties, the movies, or just the time off at work, most of us look forward to Christmas. But not everyone does.

Because of past hurts, poor decisions, or lost loved ones, the holidays can also be one of the hardest times of the year. Maybe you struggle with grief or loneliness; regret or shame; bitterness or unforgiveness. For you, Christmas exacerbates the negative feelings you’ve been wrestling with all year long.

Regardless of which side of the coin you’re on, I believe you can have hope for the holidays. You see, 2,000 years ago the people of Israel were in despair, discouraged and frustrated with their situation.

Some people blamed God. Others blamed the government. But some saw it as a perfect opportunity for God to intervene; for the Messiah, the Deliverer, the Savior, to come and bring hope into their hopeless world.

Forty-nine weeks or so before the first Christmas, before Mary was ever visited by the angel, her older cousin, Elizabeth, became pregnant. This was a big deal because Elizabeth was barren. But the Lord spoke to Elizabeth’s husband, Zechariah, and told him that they would have a son, that his name should be John and that he would prepare the way for the Lord.

In the meantime the Roman government is cracking down. The Jewish leaders are playing both sides. Different groups are starting riots and rebellions. And the people are looking for hope. The prophets said the Messiah would come. When is he coming? Now would be a great time.

Elizabeth and Zechariah’s baby is born, and because of the miraculous events surrounding John’s birth, people began to wonder if God was about to do something big. Hope began to rise among the people. Zechariah prophesies over his son, John, and about the coming Messiah. It culminates in Luke 1:78-79:

“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Zechariah’s prophecy came true. Jesus was born a few months later in a stable in Bethlehem. The angels announced His birth to the shepherds.

Heaven had come to earth to bring hope — not simply hope for those living in Israel at that time, but hope for eternity. Hope for you. I know that if you call out to Him this Christmas, you too can have hope for the holidays!

Adam Detamore (@adetamore on Twitter) is pastor of Realife Church in Greenfield. This weekly column is written by local clergy members. Send comments to [email protected].