December 27

Symbols of Hope

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him (1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14).

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Song: “In Christ Alone”

Graffiti sprawls across the walls lining the train tracks into Rome, and very little gives encouragement or hope. Outside Rome is a different story. Underground catacombs go down for several levels into the soft volcanic tuff. Early Christians buried their dead in niches lining the walls of these narrow subterranean tunnels. Gradually people switched to cemeteries around churches, and the catacombs were abandoned and forgotten until the 1500s. Though some thought Christians hid there during persecutions, we now know the catacombs weren’t a place to hide, but a place to express hope in the resurrection. On the walls of the tunnels, grieving believers carved anchors, representing hope. They painted frescoes of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.

The Thessalonians were grieving, as we all do, when loved ones die. Paul gives comfort with the gospel message that in our grief we have hope, because Jesus died and rose again. He assures us that when Christ returns, those who have fallen asleep in Him will return with Him, and those still alive will join the jubilant reunion of Christians from all ages.

Heavenly Father, thank You that even in grief, we have hope because of Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of His return. In His name I pray, amen.