We as humans have a hard time waiting for whatever we badly want. In the weeks leading to Christmas, we often experience the build-up of expectation and anticipation for the day we’ve awaited all year long. Kids especially can appreciate the difficulty of containing their excitement and energy while waiting until - finally! - they can rip into presents! Since the ancient centuries of Christ’s early followers, Christians have set aside time for the season of Advent. This special season during the four weeks before Christmas is a period of waiting, of longing and hoping, for the coming of Jesus. Of all the things we desire and await, nothing is more important and transforming than the coming of Jesus into our lives. Advent and Christmas remind us that Jesus has come to our world, and Jesus will come again in glory. More so, we remember that Jesus is right now here with us, and even now is the fulfillment of all our hopes and dreams. Jesus provides us with everything we need by serving us as Prophet, Priest, and King. Whatever else we anxiously may be awaiting or hoping to happen, we can trust with confidence that our Hope is Here, because Jesus has come to be with us.

If you’re waiting for hope to appear, hope is here.

1. Prophet

The Old Testament prophesies of Christ to come and the New Testament testifies of what Christ has done. There were thousands of prophets that came before Jesus who point to him as our hope and salvation. By this we know and believe Jesus is the true prophet who reveals the compassionate, sacrificial, and loving nature of God.

2.  Priest

Priests were required to offer a yearly blood sacrifice to pay for our sins. We couldn't repent to God without a priest interceding for us. The good news is Jesus has paid the ultimate sacrifice and will forever intercede for us once and for all. We can come to God with our prayers and confessions covered by the blood of Christ. Jesus is the High Priest that allows us to walk in the presence of God.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. - Hebrews 6: 19-20

As we reflect on the gift of Christmas, we are filled with everlasting hope. Jesus — the light of the world, the King of Kings, changing eternity forever. The present, past, and future all point to this one true King, whose perfect sacrifice brought us new life. We now rest in confidence, knowing that we are part of an eternal Kingdom. We no longer fight on our own, for he has already overcome. We no longer strive in our own strength, for he has already called us chosen. When we choose to surrender our lives to Jesus, we become new creations, and members of his Kingdom on Earth.