God of Promised Hope

Romans 15:8-13   
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.” 10 And again he says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!” 11 And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” 12 And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”  13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus came to bring truth not only to His chosen people Israel as promised, but also to the nations so we all could give God the glory for this calling as His people.  This gospel is to be told to all as promised to Abraham and witnessed by the prophets, and this means we all can rejoice together!  So God gives hope, joy and peace to the world of those who believe, for His Spirit in us gives the power to hope and persevere.  This work done in Christ alone gives the hope, joy, peace, and its power - the gospel is why we celebrate Christmas.  He has given the greatest gift, reconciling Jew and Gentile to Himself.