This is part of the series The Gifts Of The Holidays: Celebrating Thanksgiving And Christmas. Read more from the series!

Another gift that God gives to us is the gift of hope.

Hope has always been kind of a vague concept for me. I decided to look it up. Here are a few of the definitions found on dictionary.com:

• The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
• A person or thing in which expectations are centered.
• Something that is hoped for.
• To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence.
• To believe, desire, or trust.

The first and third definitions don’t really convey much meaning. But the other three really speak to our faith, don’t they?

Take a look at some passages that speak of hope in the New Testament:

• In his name the nations will put their hope. Matthew 12:21
• Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:23-25
• I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:18
• The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:26-27
• Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1-2
• Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
• Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13
• Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:21

Hope. Eager anticipation. Faith. Trust. Christ.

Christ was born to bring us hope. Christ is hope.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas this year. But more importantly, may your Christmas be filled with hope.

What does “hope” mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.