I just listened to the daily news program, The National, by the CBC. They
were reporting on a place called Moss Park Overdose Prevention Site, located in
Toronto. They had access to the site and
interviewed several drug users. One
person’s statement caught my attention. “It’s Christmas,” they said. “Depression. Lots of overdoses. People are going to die.”
However that is true. “Depression tends
to increase during the holidays due to an increase in demands (perceived as
stressful), family issues, and being unable to manage expectations.”[1]
How sad. It’s supposed to be a time to rejoice; and a time for
hope. Yet some find the time a trigger
for depression, suicide, drug overdose, death.
How sad. Warren Weirsbe writes, “In
the years before Christ’s birth, there was a growing sense of hopelessness
among the peoples of the world. Many people felt that the old religions had
failed, but there was nothing to make them believe that better days were
coming.”[2]
Many of us are familiar with the words of Isaiah’s prophecy:
“For to us a child
is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there
will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it
and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and
forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6–7, ESV)
But the backdrop to this prophecy reveals this dark condition:
“They
will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are
hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king
and their God, and turn their faces upward. And they will look to the earth,
but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be
thrust into thick darkness.” (Isaiah 8:21–22, ESV)
But Chapter 9:1-5 speak of a great hope. A Messiah, promised as a “child”
being born would shine into Israel’s darkness.
Those who trusted and believed God’s promise had hope. Likewise was a godly man named Simeon[3]
who held onto that hope, believing the promise of God.
Nothing has changed in all these millennia, people still need hope and
hope is found in the promises of God.
Paul found hope in the Promised Saviour. We read, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of
God our Savior and of Christ Jesus
our hope,”
(1 Timothy 1:1, ESV) [Emphasis
mine]
Thank you Father that hope is
found in a Person and the multitude of promises in your Word. We ask that you,
the God of hope, will fill us who believe with all joy and peace as we continue
to trust in You. This Christmas, may we overflow with hope by the power of the
Spirit. Amen. (Romans 15:13).
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/12/13/why-does-depression-tend-to-increase-during-the-holidays/#3b31a8fc4a6d
[2] Wiersbe, Warren W.. C Is for Christmas: The History,
Personalities, and Meaning of Christ's Birth (p. 87). Baker Publishing Group.
Kindle Edition.
[3] “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was
Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of
Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” (Luke 2:25, ESV)
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