Christmas 2022 is just a few weeks away. I find myself looking back over this year and realizing again how desperately this world needs Hope.

Leviticus 25, describes a kinsman-redeemer as a close relative who basically allowed the hopeless to find hope again.  I’ve thought about this with Christmas approaching. 

Hebrews 2:17 says “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” 

Jesus’ birth made Him “like his brothers in every respect.” He is the nearest relative who could redeem us. No other person, no matter how much they love or care, can right the wrongs of our broken and sinful lives. He is the only relative who could accomplish this. 

He became our Kinsman-Redeemer by willingly taking on the responsibility of our salvation and offering the only gift that could redeem us. 

The most incredible part of this reality is that He not only offered the gift of new life, but He became the gift! Because of our sin, we were lost, destitute, separated and utterly hopeless without a rescue. 

The One who had everything, emptied Himself and became our “brother” to pay the price for our broken hopeless state.

There are many, especially this time of year, needing Hope and truth. 

Our today seen through temporal eyes can seem futile and hopeless. We can grow overwhelmed with circumstances, broken relationships, unmet dreams and the burden of trying to keep up. I’ve heard it in random conversations while in a store’s check out line or even around a table at church events. None of us are immune to the hardships of this world.

But God. My favorite perspective is now the eternal perspective! God in His mercy and love for me says “This world is not your home. I’ve made a way for eternity to dwell in your heart.” 

It is a beautiful truth that makes waking in the morning a joy. It’s the truth that allows me to work with people who are hurting, even in the most dire circumstances, and declare there is Hope.

John 16:33 Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, that ‘in Me you have peace. In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’”

So be of good cheer this season and share the amazing truth of Christmas. The baby of Christmas came to be our Kinsman-Redeemer. He is our eternal Hope!

Cathy is Executive Director and Co-Founder of Sanctuary in Trauma. She ministers from her own experiences through trauma and pain. Leaning into Biblical Truths has guided her into a greater knowledge of God and a deeper love for Him. With a heart to help the hurting she is finding an eternal purpose from the pain.