Sharing the Hope
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 3:8-17
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
—1 Peter 3:15
“No news is good news,” we sometimes say, meaning that at least we are not hearing bad news, which tends to come in urgent messages.
But in regard to Christmas, no news is bad news. The Christmas story is filled with the spread of the good news of God’s salvation. Angels visited Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Then the shepherds shared with everyone the amazing things they had heard and seen. God declared the birth of Jesus to the Magi through a star and the writing of the prophets. The Holy Spirit identified Christ to Simeon and Anna.
We have been celebrating God’s gift of hope through the Christ of Christmas. We have seen the difference Christ has made as we face guilt, uncertain futures, loss, even death. Christ has met us in our pain and filled us with a hope that will not disappoint. Even though we live in a broken world, we look forward to a glorious future.
Peter challenges us to look at the world around us. People are living and dying without hope. We have what they desperately need—we have hope. And when we live in hope in the face of brokenness, the world will notice. So Peter calls us to be ready to give an answer about the hope that we have.
We are called to share the message of hope in Jesus Christ. Will you do that?
Thank you, Lord, for the hope that sustains and comforts us. May our lives be a testimony of your redeeming love, and may we share the good news of Jesus. Amen.
About the author — Calvin Aardsma
Calvin Aardsma has been a pastor for more than thirty years. He has served churches in Indiana, Oregon, and the Chicago area. Currently, he is a pastor of Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Lansing, Illinois. He also serves on the board of the Ugandan Orphanage Relief Fund. Cal and his wife, Sandy, have four children and five grandchildren.
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