The Promise of Hope

Micah 5:2 But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel,

We know this scripture because the priests quote it when asked by King Herod where the Christ Child was to be born. This occurs after the Wise Men come to Jerusalem seeking the new King. We hear it almost every year during the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany, but do you know its Old Testament context?

When Micah first spoke it, the people who heard it were a defeated people, now living in exile in Babylon. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed, its walls broken down, and their king removed. It was a dark time, and these words were words of hope. Micah wanted them to know that God had not forgotten them. A future ruler would come and save them. They would not be in exile forever. God was with them and better days were coming. What a message of hope for those people when all seemed lost.

Our situation is not much different from Micah’s first listeners. In times of great stress, we look for a glimmer of hope beyond the present ordeal. We want to hear that God understands, is with us, and tomorrow holds the possibility of being a better day.

This word of hope from God comes to us in so many ways during this Advent Season. We hear it in the message that a child named Jesus was born to fulfill this prophecy, and God is always with us. We see it in many small acts of kindness that seem to multiply at this time of year.

And if you are listening to this podcast on the day it was first posted, know that tonight our church is a beacon of hope for some. For many years, the Christian Living Class and the Open Arms Class have hosted a dinner for inmates housed at our local detention center and their families. Those inmates who meet the requirements come to the church and get to have a meal with their loved ones. We provide gifts for them to give to their children. There are hugs and pictures and great joy. For those inmates and their families, it is a glimpse of what the future can look like. It is a time of joy and, yes, hope.

Advent is a reminder that God cares about where we are in our life journey. We or someone we know might be experiencing the first holiday season without a loved one. Perhaps you can be a glimmer of hope for them by reaching out and letting them know they are not alone. Or in these times of economic hardship for many, you might be able to, out of your blessings, give to a program that provides food or shelter for others. Again, a word of hope. And if this is a season of struggles and darkness for you, know there is hope that tomorrow can be better because God is with us.

Life can be difficult. It was at the time Micah shared these words. It was challenging for the people of Judah when Jesus was born. It can be for us or those we know today. Micah reminds us that God is faithful, loves us, and is at work to make our tomorrows brighter.

Let us pray.

Loving God, we give thanks for your never-ending love and presence in our lives. When we are in difficult and challenging times, help us to remember to look to you for light, guidance, and hope. You are always pointing us to a better tomorrow. And remind us as well to be, when we can, your message of hope to others when they need it most. AMEN.

This devotion was written by Bill Green and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition