In the Bible’s book of John, chapter 16 and verse 33, Jesus Himself tells us that humans live in a world of trouble. But then, He says, Be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world!

It is one of the most beautiful passages in all of Scripture, but sometimes I’m afraid, even Christians forget it. Today, with so much geopolitical turmoil in the world, believers take their eyes of the Word and begin to sink into despair.

That’s dissipated to some degree with the election of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States, but there are still too many living in fear.

Some Bible prophecy teachers (or those who emphasize it, such as Jim Bakker) routinely warn of impending doom. Some of them make a handsome living off that fear, encouraging the stockpiling of food and guns. Yet today, as we head to Christmastime 2016, there is renewed optimism in America. While we know that no political leader will ever be the real Messiah, we can still enjoy any reprieve the Lord sees fit to give us.

So with that in mind, please enjoy the holidays and expect to meet the Future with optimism and gladness of heart.