Simply Hope

Simple Christmas Pt. 1 | December 7, 2025
Pastor Wes Morris 

Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7 (NIV) The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest...
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end.

✓  HOPE DOESN’T ALWAYS SHOW UP THE WAY WE EXPECTED.
Romans 8:24-25 (TLB) We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don’t yet have—for a man who already has something doesn’t need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn’t happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently.

✓  WE LOOK FOR HOPE IN THE WRONG PLACES.
Psalm 20:7 (NIV) Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
You don’t realize Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have. - Tim Keller

SIMPLY HOPE

I. HOLD ON TO GOD’S PROMISE EVEN WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE THE PLAN.
Luke 1:34-37 (NIV) How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 
37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

II. SURRENDER WHAT YOU CAN’T CONTROL.
Luke 1:38 (NLT) Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true.”
Psalm 37:5 (NLT) Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

III. START WHERE YOU ARE - HOPE GROWS WHEN YOU TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
Romans 15:13 (NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Where in your life do you feel like hope isn’t showing up the way you expected?
How might God be working in ways you can’t see yet?


2. What are some “chariots and horses” you tend to trust in when life feels uncertain?
What would it look like to shift that trust back to God this week?


3. Is there an area right now where God is inviting you to surrender something you can’t control?
What is one step of obedience you can take today?


4. Hope grows when we start where we are.
What is a small, practical step you can take this week to move toward hope instead of waiting to feel hopeful first?