Pastor Ashlee Adkins continues our series "The Themes of Christmas."

When people find themselves in the midst of grief, hurt, anger, uncertainty, and hopelessness, hope can seem like a fallacy, not remotely close to bringing comfort. In those moments, hope can seem like a four-letter word, even when it’s offered in kindness.

Israel had gone through rough times. They were in despair and hopelessness so deep they had sought other avenues, searching for anything and everything that would provide a distraction to their deep angst. Isaiah offered a good word. A word of hope. A promise of a new covenant.

Today we know what that hope was and still is. We know who was to come and offer the hope we all long for. True hope. Not a wishy-washy hope that may or may not come to fruition. Hope that allows us a foundation to stand upon today and a confident and sure anticipation of what’s to come.

What does this hope look like? So that even when we face hard times or meet those who are, we can grasp to the truth and offer light in the darkness?