I saw the movie “X-Men: Days of Future Past” last night with my two sons. At one point in the movie, Professor Xavier’s past and future selves are talking to each other. His future self tell his past self that the greatest gift is hope. I immediately thought of the following passage from Romans 5:1-2

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 

Through faith in Christ, all people have access to the  “hope of the glory of God”. A hope that will not fail or fade or leave. A hope and promise that no matter what our circumstances Christ is enough. With hope in Christ, we can persevere through all trials and sufferings. What a wonderful, unbreakable promise.

On the flip side, we are continually being made false promises to put our hopes in worldly things that will ultimately fail us. Things like relationships, health, jobs, sex and money. Things that will fade or break or disappoint. Worldly things offer hope but it is a false hope.

Professor X is right. The greatest gift is hope. The hope of God through faith in Christ – past, present and future!

See you on the third floor!