Boxes and boxes of decorations exit storage around Thanksgiving to transform the inside and outside of domiciles into Christmas wonderlands. Christmas music wafts earthward from speakers on store ceilings while twinkling lights dance outdoors in December winds. Streaming video services offer a full menu of holiday-themed shows, and churches crowd the schedule with must-do events to remind all attendees of the Reason for the season. Some can’t get enough and embrace Christmas with a giant bear hug. Others struggle. The Hallmark-style solutions to pressing life problems seem elusive. Perhaps painful memories from the past, or the yearly reminder of profound loss through that empty chair at the dinner table, dull the sparkle. For a holiday that resonates with hope as its core, the hope of a Savior to redeem mankind, reality can dampen the festivities.

Calendula Fall 2025 (2) God is our hope.
One of 2025’s last blooms.

I assumed the word hope could be found in most all of the carols we sing, until I grabbed a hymnal and began reading. I rechecked my work, because though the theme of hope permeates the messages of the songs, I found the word hope in only two carols. Here are the quotes:

1. Angels from the Realms of Glory – “Saints, before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear; Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear. “

2. Oh, Holy Night – “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”

How to model hope

Hope often proves elusive in the December rush. As believers this season represents an opportunity to live out our faith and project by our words, demeanor, and actions that we truly possess hope. What does that look like?

  • Smile and make folks wonder what’s really up with you.
  • Be courteous and even friendly to that hourly employee operating the lone register in a sea of shoppers.
  • Wave in that guy who has had his blinker on for two blocks trying to find an opening.
  • Pray without ceasing as the holiday hubbub percolates around you. Ask God for His strength to be Spirit-filled.
Calendula Fall Photo Bomb 2025 God is our Hope
This bee found a source of nectar late in the November garden.

Where to find hope

Can we acquire an overflowing vat of the good stuff we call hope? Where can we send that neighbor or relative who has lost hope? Why not begin at this link, and let’s find hope together. The link also serves as a spoiler alert to the theme of the article: God is our hope.