This Christmas of all Christmases, we’re in need of hope. The hope we need is found in the words of the angel Gabriel to Joseph, "You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

The promise of Christmas from Matthew 1:21, includes the full work of redemption that will one day reverse the curse of sin when Christ returns.

When Jesus comes for all those who have trusted in Him, God will restore all things. He will create a new heaven and a new earth to replace that which sin destroyed. Mankind will no longer be “fallen” but restored and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God.

The Christmas promise reminds us that hope transforms suffering. The Promise of Christmas is not just eternal life, but it is everlasting. All creation waits for the promise of full and final restoration and redemption, when Christ returns. We, wait with eager hope for the day when our bodies will be released from sin and suffering.

The promise of Christmas is a magnificent future for the believer, complete with a brand-new, glorified body. At present, we only have a taste of our glorious future, through the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.

Our hope and salvation is in calling upon the name of the Lord and trusting in Jesus’ perfect sacrifice for our sin.