An Unchanging Hope
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8.
Change, a word that could provoke differing thoughts, emotions and experiences for each of us some of these could be good others perhaps not so much. Either way the reality that is inevitable for all is that change will come. On the other hand I think it’s fair to say that none of us could have predicted the events of 2020 being one where we’d see ourselves navigating life through the challenges of a Pandemic!
If you look at things in our world now to how they were last Christmas a lot has changed.
Our world has never seemed or felt to be more chaotic, out of control and craving certainty for a truth unquestionable and more so one that is tangible.
Have you ever played Jenga?
For those that haven’t, it’s a game that begins as a tower created by building blocks positioned closely together in alternate rows of three. The aim is to remove the pieces from the tower without it crumbling as its initial shape changes formation throughout.
How does this illustration have anything to do with the events we are going through now?
Well it may appear to be a simple game but is one that shares a lot more in common with our ever changing and shifting world than given credit for.
Whether that is in social terms, cultural, environmental and certainly political the reality of this past year has generated varying degrees of disruption within each of these realms. Much alike the Jenga tower that crumbles after its external conditions have been altered. But have you ever considered the reason for the tower standing in the first place.
It has been built on a stable foundation. More to the point how following the aftermath of the pieces falling to the ground its initial base still remains untouched!
This image reminds me that even though the building blocks of our lives move and often fall as we are surrounded by the devastating impacts of COVID 19 and the daily loss of precious lives there is a hope that never changes. His name is Jesus.
Yes, the trouble is apparent where death is a painful reality for countless individuals but there is peace and rest to be found this Christmas by placing our trust in the keeper of peace himself.
His promises are unchanging, ever present and never failing.
Circumstances arise, relationships become fragmented and the exterior parts of our lives will be forever changing but we can seek refuge and be anchored in the truth that his word stands for all of time.
May this Christmas be one where you reflect light to a world in darkness and take time to remember the precious gift given, of a living hope in Jesus.
“So now wrap your heart tightly around the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps his promises.” – Hebrews 10:23 (The Passion Translation).
Emily Martin