The Glory of the Branch

As we approach this season, we will once again hear the story of Christ and of Christmas. We will exchange the traditional greetings of “Merry Christmas!” “Happy New Year!” We will speak of joy, hope and peace. But we must ask, “Is this real?” Is there really any hope of joy and peace in this dark, depraved world? Politicians and media personalities are dropping like flies in spiraling scandals. A wicked national leader is threatening us all with his new rocket weapons. The nations do not trust each other and tensions are beginning to rise. So let’s be real. Is there any real hope of peace and joy as we approach the Christmas season and the New Year?
The Scriptures tell us that there is such hope. Romans 15:12-13 declares
“. . .There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”