We have hope that a new-born will live a healthy, productive long life that follows the example of Christ. In a new marriage we have hope that the marriage will be Christ centered and bring happiness to those being married. Finally, in death we have hope that we will spend eternity with Christ.

The basis and assurance of this hope is found in both the new and old testaments. In Psalms 62:5 we read: "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." Romans 15:4 states: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Finally, Hebrews 10:23 extols us: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Let us, as Christians, claim the hope that is offered to us and live lives that reflect Christ in us.