Hope is Born

Reading in the book of 1 Peter this week I found myself zeroing in on the word “hope.”  It is encouraging to remember that Christians have a living hope that rests fully on God’s grace, a hope that is in Him.  This hope is a sure thing, a confidence that is alive! This confidence is based on the mercy and grace of the Almighty, Sovereign God, the Resurrected Christ who will be revealed at the proper time. Peter reminds us that:

Redeemed by Him,

Kept by Him,

And Saved through faith in Him.

We can Rest fully in Him,

Believe in Him,

Trust in Him,

Be at Peace in Him,

Call on Him,

And Rejoice in Him.

In this Advent season we give thanks for the hope we have because of Jesus.

Consider the words of this hymn from the 1700’s. 

TO US A CHILD OF HOPE IS BORN – lyrics by John Morrison, 1781.

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is giv’n,

Him shall the tribes of earth obey,

Him all the hosts of Heav’n.

His Name shall be the Prince of Peace,

Forevermore adorned,

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The great and mighty Lord.

His pow’r, increasing, still shall spread,

His reign no end shall know,

Justice shall guard His throne above,

And peace abound below.

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is giv’n,

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The mighty Lord of Heav’n.

“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder:

and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father,

the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6