Finding Hope
Hope
Hope. A word so often spoken, yet sometimes misunderstood. True hope is having confidence in something unseen—trusting that it will come to pass, even if the when and how remains a mystery. Hope is a defining theme of the Christmas season: the hope of Christ, the hope of a New Year, the hope of a life yet to unfold.
In Luke 1, we find a profound story of hope and purpose. This chapter recounts the birth of John the Baptist and the miraculous conception of Jesus. Three central figures—Elizabeth, Mary, and Zechariah—are each called by God for a specific purpose, a purpose that ultimately brings salvation to the world through His Son.
The story begins with the angel Gabriel’s visit to Zechariah in the temple. Gabriel announces to Zachariah that he and his wife, Elizabeth, though advanced in years, will have a son named John. John is destined to prepare the way for God’s Son. Later, Gabriel visits Mary, declaring that she has found favor with God and will bear a son named Jesus. The chapter concludes with Mary visiting Elizabeth, and together they rejoice in the favor and blessings of the Lord. It closes with the birth of John the Baptist, the one to make way for the hope to come, the Savior of the world.
In this chapter, we see two distinct responses to Gabriel’s message. Zechariah, upon hearing the promise of a child, doubts:
"How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years." (Luke 1:18)
Mary, on the other hand, responds with curiosity and trust:
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34)
Two similar messages. Two very different responses. This contrast prompts an important question: How do I respond to God’s message in my life?
When faced with a glimpse of hope or the possibility of something new, do we embrace it with faith and a willingness to move forward? Or do we shrink back in doubt, questioning its plausibility?
A few years ago, I found myself wrestling with these questions. I was working part-time at my church in a challenging environment that lacked peace and stability. I felt called to move on, to step into a full-time position with more responsibilities, but fear held me back. I prayed repeatedly for direction, yet my situation only grew more unsettled, affecting not just my work but my home life as well.
At one point, my husband gently suggested that perhaps God was trying to tell me something. I resisted, insisting that I just needed to pray more and trust that things would improve. But they didn’t. The unrest persisted until I finally took a step of faith. I applied for a similar role at another church, and God opened a door. I walked through it, and my life began to change.
Looking back, I see that the hope I held wasn’t tied to a specific job or location. It was hope in a mighty God—the One who could bring peace to my soul and guide me to His purpose for my life. That’s what hope truly is: trusting in God’s ability to transform our circumstances or sustain us through them.
As I reflect on Mary’s song in Luke 1, I understand it more deeply now than ever before. Her words of praise remind us who God is—a Savior who faithfully provides for us as we walk the path He has set before us. I couldn’t have faced Mary’s path, but I can face the one God has given me, knowing He is with me every step of the way.
Mary’s song, often called the Magnificat, is a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness and His plan for redemption. Writing out scripture has become a way for me to find stillness and meditate on His Word. Below, I’ve shared a downloadable copy of a penmanship page of Luke 1:46-55 for you to use. I invite you to click the button below to download your own copy and reflect on these powerful words of hope and praise.
