Real Hope: Jesus' Birth ForetoldVoorbeeld

## The Gift Of Certain Hope Christmas is coming! That’s something we can be sure of, but not all things we hope for come with certainty. When my husband and I decided we wanted to become parents, we soon realised it may not happen. We had hope, but after over four years of waiting we learned that we did not determine the outcome. Finally we were blessed with children, but for many having a child is not a sure thing. It doesn’t matter what our heart’s desire is, if we aren’t certain of the outcome, hope can be a greater challenge to maintain. How encouraging to look at the birth of Jesus and see that there was a certainty given to the generations before Him that He’d come. Jesus, Immanuel, would take His place on earth, reveal more of the character of God and unleash a desperately needed grace through His sacrifice. Jesus’ coming was a sure thing. For us now, this hope that was fulfilled in Jesus is still a sure thing. He is Immanuel – God is with us. His grace is ours. His love is certain. And He is with us in our waiting. What a gift to celebrate this Christmas season. Where can you instil certain hope this season? #### Written by SUSIE HOLT