The Definition of Hope

Ed McClanahan

I’ve spent the last six years or so watching my parents transition through the aging process. They went from self sufficiency, to dependance on each other, to dependance on us (their kids), to crisis management, and then ultimately to the end of life. My Mother passed away in April of 2021, and my Dad passed away just a couple of weeks ago. My Dad longed to see his wife again, and his hope of being with her and the Lord when he passed sustained him. 

Webster’s definition of hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation; to want something to happen or be true. But in the Bible, hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised and its strength is in His faithfulness. 

What God has promised is the second coming of his son Jesus Christ. In John 14:2-3, Jesus said “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

What an amazing thing to be hopeful for. The second coming of Jesus, and the reward that will come to those who put their faith in him. 

If you are pondering what to be hopeful for in this Advent and Christmas season, it isn’t the next cool gift. The real place to put your hope is in the triumphant return of Jesus. It’s a promise we can all eagerly wait and hope for.