Hope Has a Name!
On this Christmas Day, you are probably sitting at home, or at the home of family, or perhaps alone, reflecting on those around you and how quickly life passes. Very likely, this year you have experienced some joys and victories. Also likely, you experienced some heartache of what happened to you, or even guilt for something you did. You may long for a re-do. As you sit here now, the memories quickly flood back.
Today is a day of hope! You made it 359 days thus far in 2025. Only six more days to go until we start a new year. That in itself is a good reminder that the past is behind you, and new opportunities arise each day. The world did not cease to rotate because of your successes, nor did it stop because of your failures. What you observe today will be different tomorrow, maybe not better, maybe not worse, but different. It holds potential.
Hope is one of the most powerful tools a leader holds. Would you agree that our world feels stretched by uncertainty, division, and rapid change? Leadership today is not just about strategy or results. It is about hope. Not the loud kind, but the steady hope that reassures people when answers are incomplete and outcomes are unclear.
You see, hope has a name. In your role, it may be YOUR name. Listening when people feel unheard, making ethical choices when shortcuts are tempting, investing in people even when progress feels slow. In times of fatigue and pressure, leaders who model hope give others permission to keep going. In essence, you are offering vision when others feel lost and tired. When you lead with integrity, empathy, and perseverance, you communicate a powerful message. The future is worth working toward.
Today on December 25th, we also remember that the 2,000-year-old Christmas Story is one of hope. A world in spiritual darkness was tired, longing for change, straying from God, desiring something or someone to save them on a multitude of fronts. Therein enters a Child, God in flesh, Jesus, who was sent to be the Savior of all people. His presence signals hope that God sees the real struggle in us and makes a way for a new tomorrow. Freedom from sin, assurance of His love, joy amidst trials, and peace through His presence with us. Hope has a name, and that name is Jesus.
As we sit and reflect on this Christmas Day, we acknowledge the challenges. At the same time, we refuse to let these define our future. We choose personal discipline, extending forgiveness to others, sacrificial work, and investment in people. And when we realize that our efforts fall short, we remember that a God who cares for you and your people offers what you cannot. Hope has a name.