A Faith Journal

Do you feel bold this season? I’d be willing to guess that many of us feel anything but bold. For many of us, we are busy going from one activity to another. Or we are trying to hide from the extreme emotions the holidays can bring with them. Either way, few of us are feeling bold, confident or courageous. Yet many of us would say that we are hopeful that at some point this Christmas season, a moment will happen and you will see the hand of God.

Why is it that at Christmas even in sadness we can find a moment so profound that it can only be by God’s hand that it occurred? It happens all the time, but we seem to notice more at Christmas. Paul likely has the answer in 2 Corinthians 3. When Jesus came to dwell among us, He altered the way we see and understand the Old Testament. No one expected a baby to be born in such a humble way and be the King of kings. Not only did he alter how we looked to the past, he altered how we view the future.

In the past, many could not look at God or not be fearful of the angels that God sent as his messengers. There was a barrier, whether due to God’s glory or not, that hindered the faith and hope of his people. Is it as Paul explains, a veil over their hearts that has kept many from seeing the true glory of God?

As Jesus grew and eventually died for us, he gave everyone a new perspective of what the glory of God looks like. Those that were bold enough to embrace and seek God’s glory lived full lives. Lives full of joy, hardship, trials and treasures. So similarly to those who lived before us.

 How then are we different? We have hope. Hope that God will heal our bodies, our minds and our souls. Hope that peace is possible. Hope that we will one day be reunited with God in heaven. Because of this hope, we can live bold lives that express that faith, hope and love for God.

So while you may not feel bold this Christmas season, know that even a small hope is bold enough to move you forward toward God and all He has for you.