Hope

For 400 years, Israel had waited and hoped for the promised Messiah. The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled in that a virgin would bear a son and His name would be called, Emmanuel, “God with us.” This powerful and moving video illustration will help you recount the journey of Mary as she discovers her role in humanity with the miracle of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.

Hope is so prevalent throughout His Word. Some of my favorite bible verses about hope are:

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Psalm
119:114-116 NIV

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:24-25 NIV

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love… 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

Man has misconstrued or misinterpreted many words in the Bible. Let’s take a look at the wonderful and exhilarating word “Hope” and see if we can grasp its meaning!

One may say, “I hope we get lots of snow this winter,” “I hope the Philadelphia Eagles win this weekend,” or “I hope my children will behave.”

The standard dictionary definition and one that is generally accepted by most of the world is to FEEL that something desired MAY happen. The world’s definition is very vague and uncertain.

Lets take a look at the Biblical definitions of Hope.

The Greek word “Yachal” in the Old Testament is translated as “Hope.” “Yachal” is defined as to wait for, to hope for and to trust!

The Greek word “Elpis” in the New Testament is also translated as “Hope.” “Elpis” is defined in the Christian sense as a joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation on hope, in hope, having hope the author of hope, or he who is its foundation the thing hoped for!

You can know God promises Heaven, the Hope (guarantee) of eternal life is when you trust that Jesus paid the death penalty for sin in your place. He promises — and all you need do is to trust Jesus as your Savior. Believe His Word — He died for you.

What are some of your favorite verses about hope?

Where do you place your hope?

Do you believe that Biblical hope is “wishful thinking” or "having a confident expectation?"

In English, uncertainty is suggested in the word hope. Do you believe, “there is no doubt about it!” when it comes to hope from a Biblical perspective?

Is your hope in Christ during the Christmas season and throughout the year?