Top 10 List of the Best Hope for the New Year

There’s something I want you to know.

You are never far from hope.

In tragedy, it is there. During dark moments, it covers with light. Hope soars above despair.

Life brings hurt, heartache, and disappointment. Hard places can dissolve every ounce of faith.

But in an uncertain world, there is an undeniable hope, an unshakable anchor for your soul.

In a matter of days, we turn a final page on the calendar to a brand new year.

And most of us probably have dreams and hopes for the next twelve months. Some of these may come true and others will sadly fizzle and fade away

Although hope seems intangible, we have access to a certain and undeniable hope in Jesus Christ. This is the kind of hope we embrace and keep close no matter the circumstances that may come our way.

There’s something I want you to know. You are never far from hope. In an uncertain world, there's an undeniable hope, an unshakable anchor for your soul. #NewYear2023 Share on X

So let’s look at a top 10 list of the best hope and scriptures sure to help us navigate a new year of celebrations, unknowns, fulfillments and losses. 

Top 10: Unwavering, Grace-filled, Living

(1.) Unwavering Hope. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)

(2.) Grace-filled hope. “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:13 (ESV)

(3.) Living hope. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

Best Hope: Godly, Encouraging, Joyful, Strong

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In Awe of Christ or the Magic of Christmas

Christmas is intended to point us to the awe of Christ.

A letter from Santa keeps the Christmas magic alive!

Scrolling through email, a subject line caught my attention. “Great Christmas Gift Idea: Letters from Santa.” 

It piqued my interest enough to take a further look.

Instead of our kiddos writing out a wish-list for Santa, then begging us to make sure it arrives at the North Pole before Christmas. Santa sends a personalized letter to our children.

The company’s website, complete with sample ideas and pictures, promises an authentic-looking letter from Santa. 

It arrives at our front door in an envelope stamped from the North Pole.

The Awe of Christ or Christmas Magic

So, we send the company whatever information we choose, but they suggest: name, age, relatives, name of best friend, hometown, etc. And a parent can add special achievements, acts of kindness, or good behavior for Santa to mention. 

I guess a confirmation the child made Santa’s Nice List.The site assures this gift will keep the magic alive for Christmas.

Trying to keep the magic alive for Christmas? The real Christmas story is more than magical, it's supernatural. #christmas Share on X

Yet, this gift idea caused me to reflect. As God’s child, I hope to keep Christmas alive in another way.

Letter Stamped From Heavenly Places

You see, the heavenly Father has already sent me an authentic and personalized letter directly from His heart to the door of my heart. 

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6 Things We Learn From the Christmas Story

The birth of Jesus lies at the center of the Christmas story.

But have you ever wondered how Jesus’ earthly parents would describe the events? Or what we can learn from His parents and His story to apply to our lives today?

In looking at the overall story, we learn valuable lessons from both Joseph and Mary.

Like how Joseph teaches us three ways to always trust God.

(1.) Always Trust God’s Promises: Christmas Story

The gospel of Matthew paints the scene of a man engaged to a young woman. Yet Mary’s with child before they marry. This situation was completely unacceptable in this time period. 

In fact, the engagement period was a commitment similar to marriage today—a vow to remain true to your betrothed and sexually pure. 

Matthew 1:19 describes Joseph as a “just man” who did not want to put Mary to shame in public, so planned to divorce her privately. But in a dream, an angel proclaimed to Joseph the child was conceived through the Holy Spirit. Joseph took Mary for his wife.

God promises if we move forward in His timing, His ultimate will and purpose is completed, not only in the present, but also in the future.

God promises if we move forward in His timing, His ultimate will and purpose is completed, not only in the present, but also in the future. #Christmas #story Share on X

(2.) Always Trust God’s Protection

After the birth of Christ, an angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt because Herod wanted to destroy Jesus (Matthew 2:13-15). Once again, Joseph is completely obedient to the Lord. 

When we are completely obedient to the Lord, He is working behind the scenes on our behalf. 

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It’s My Birthday: 5 Scriptures for Life Focus

Do you enjoy celebrating birthdays? How do you handle getting older? And is there a way to celebrate another year along with a life focus?

Today, December 1st, is my birthday.

And, of course, my twin sister, Sharon, made an appearance in the world this same day a few minutes after me.

So let’s reflect on scriptures that help us celebrate birthdays with life focus.

(1.) A Heart Completely God’s: Life Focus

“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB, 1995 edition)

My life verse since college, I wanted to start here. Because accepting Christ into my heart as Savior at sixteen made me a child of the Most High God. And I desire to stay focused on giving my heart completely to Him. 

This isn’t a half-hearted devotion to the Lord as secondary in my life. No, I make Him number one with my highest devotion and attention. 

Reflection: Is our heart divided between God and the world or completely His?

Prayer: Lord, I continue to welcome You into my heart to reign supremely. Help my heart stay undivided and completely Yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lord, I continue to welcome You into my heart to reign supremely. Help my heart stay undivided and completely Yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen. #birthday Share on X

(2.) Celebrating Who I Am: Body, Soul, Spirit

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14-15 (ESV)

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