Our Hope is in God

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Second Sunday after Christmas Day BCP 214)

"The dignity of human nature." God both created and restored the dignity of human nature by coming to live among us as a human being. Dignity is one thing I have kept my eye on this past year, trying to make sure, in the ways that I am able, despite the continuing crises, that dignity for all people was not forgotten in our little corner of the world. Jesus, as a child and later as a man in ministry, recognizes everyone dignity and shows that regard throughout his interactions. 

This has been a hard year, and many times has allowed people in power to overlook the dignity of other human beings. Thankfully our hope is not in the people in power in this world. Our hope doesn't even rest in the promises and expectations of a new year.  Our hope rests in God, who through Jesus Christ, knew what it means to live in times of trouble. Though Jesus walked the earth as a man more than two thousand years ago, God continues to walk with us through our times of trouble. 

As we look forward to this new year and all the hopes and expectations we have rested on it, let us remember that our true hope rests in God. No matter how this coming year turns out, God has already saved us, is still saving us, and will save us. Our dignity as human beings comes not from our successes or how well we handle crisis, but from our God who loves us, cares for us, and promises us eternal life.