Protecting the Hope Within

It’s amazing how quickly the year has flown by—Thanksgiving and Christmas are already on the horizon, reminding us that a new chapter is about to begin. Personally, I love this season—it invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the countless blessings we’ve received. It’s a time to rejoice in the most meaningful birth of all time and to evaluate different areas of our lives so we can continue growing.

Each Christmas, I’m reminded of the day Christ was born in my heart—my personal Christmas. A fiery passion ignited within me, a deep and abiding love I never wanted to lose. I cherish the memory of a dear friend who, sensing my newfound hope, gifted me a book that became a beacon in my spiritual journey. Its pages warned of the dangers and temptations that lay ahead. Actually, it was both a warning and an encouragement for the journey of hope I had just started.

Looking back, I see how that gift was her way of helping me protect the glorious treasure I’d found in Jesus. From the very beginning, our hope has faced opposition. When the Magi heard that the Messiah had been born, King Herod tried to trick them into informing him where Jesus could be found. Consumed by a burning desire to extinguish the light of hope, Herod sought to eliminate Jesus, the newborn King. Knowing the evil plans Herod had for Jesus, God warned the Magi in a dream not to report back to Herod. So, they quietly went back to their own countries.

“As we celebrate Christmas, may we reflect on our personal Christmas when the hope of Christ was born in our hearts.”

God did not stop there. He also sent the angel of the Lord to warn Joseph in a dream. The angel instructed them to flee to Egypt for safety. Confidently, they followed the Lord's direction, assured that His guidance would protect Jesus. Years later, the angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph once more, leading them back to Israel. With unwavering faith, they relied on God’s guidance to protect the precious gift that had been entrusted to them.

To this day we too must rely on God’s guidance to protect the precious gift that has been entrusted to us. As we celebrate Christmas, may we reflect on our personal Christmas when the hope of Christ was born in our hearts. May we continue to protect this precious and living hope.

I’m deeply grateful to partner with you in sharing Jesus with women around the world. I wish you a Christmas filled with peace, joy, and the life-giving presence of Christ. I pray 2026 will be a year of renewed purpose and overflowing hope.


In His Love,

Susie Pek
TWR Women of Hope Global Director