The Advent of Christ - Hope at the Gate

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23
 
A few years ago in Haiti, a man came to our gate, looking for work. He had two sons and was on the verge of losing his home—a simple place that only cost $125 a year, but for him, that was a lot. He was desperate. He had already gone up a mountain to ask another man for a job, hoping someone could help him keep his family sheltered. But after the long journey, he was turned away. He came back down that mountain with no options and no money. That’s when he showed up at our gate.

In that moment, he found a job, a small way to get back on his feet, but more importantly, he found hope. That experience has stayed with me because it’s a picture of what hope looks like in real life—hope coming when things feel impossible, showing up right when it’s needed most.
 
When I think about Christmas, I think about that same kind of hope. When Jesus was born, God showed up for people in desperate need, people who were under heavy oppression, just trying to survive. God sent Jesus to be Immanuel, which means “God with us.” That’s the heart of Christmas—God stepping into our lives to meet us where we are, especially in our struggles.
 
Maybe this season, you’re carrying some burdens too. Maybe it’s been a tough year, and you’re wondering where hope is going to come from. The good news of Christmas is that Jesus is here with us, and His presence means we’re not alone. He came to bring light into our darkness, to remind us that we’re seen and loved.
 
And just like that man showed up at the gate looking for a way forward, we can bring our needs to God. No matter how tired or discouraged we feel, we can come to Him, knowing He welcomes us with open arms.
 
This Christmas, think about where you can be that “gate of hope” for someone else. Maybe it’s sharing a kind word, lending a hand, or simply listening. Small gestures can mean everything. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, let’s remember that He’s not just a distant Savior—He’s with us, offering real hope and calling us to share it with others.