Hope Has Come Christmas Program Series

Christmas Program School 2025 – Hope has Come!

Survey: Top Ten Christmas Characters

The most popular Christmas characters:

1. Santa Claus: The quintessential symbol of Christmas, Santa Claus embodies the spirit of giving and joy. He is known for his red suit, white beard, and the tradition of delivering gifts to children around the world on Christmas Eve.

2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Famous for his shiny red nose, Rudolph is celebrated for his story of overcoming adversity and leading Santa's sleigh through foggy weather. His tale teaches the importance of embracing differences.

3. The Grinch: Created by Dr. Seuss, the Grinch is known for his initial disdain for Christmas, but he ultimately learns the true meaning of the holiday through his interactions with the Whos of Whoville.

4. Frosty the Snowman: This beloved character comes to life with a magical hat and embodies the joy of winter and the holiday spirit. His adventures are a staple of Christmas lore.

5. Ebenezer Scrooge: From Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," Scrooge's transformation from a miser to a generous man serves as a powerful reminder of the holiday's true meaning.

6. Buddy the Elf: From the movie "Elf," Buddy is a human raised by elves at the North Pole. His innocent and joyful nature brings laughter and warmth to the holiday season.

7. Kevin McCallister: The young protagonist of "Home Alone," Kevin's adventures while defending his home from burglars have made him a relatable and beloved character during the holidays.

8. George Bailey: The lead character in "It's A Wonderful Life," George's journey highlights the importance of community and the impact one person can have on the lives of others.

9. Jack Skellington: The Pumpkin King’s Christmas Caper

10. Clark Griswold: From "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," Clark Griswold is known for his over-the-top Christmas decorations and family antics, embodying the humorous side of holiday celebrations.

11. The Nutcracker: A Magical Toy Soldier

These characters, according to all the pollsters not only entertain but also convey important messages about love, generosity, and the joy of the holiday season, making them timeless favorites during Christmas celebrations!

I thought really Jesus is the personification of Love in the flesh, Jesus was so generous he gave up his life so we could be set free from sin, Jesus is the dispenser of joy through the Holy Spirit – I researched more and discovered that Jesus does not make the top ten of the list of the most famous Christmas Characters – He does not even make the top 100 most notable Christmas characters of all time!

Can I hear a “sigh” from all of you who believe?

I say, “This is rigged – this so-called poll is fixed against Jesus – to say that the bulk of the people in the USA do not acknowledge that Jesus is the reason for the season!” I say, “Bah Humbug!”

I think something evil is at play hear to deny what Jesus – did – what Jeus brought to this world when He was born! Remember the Bible declares that He fulfilled 300 prophecies of the Messiah! The Messiah is the Savior of the world – His 1st return to deliver this world from sin and bondage set the captives free – when He came, he shone as the eternal light of the world! He came to lead people out of darkness! That is why He is called “The Living Hope!”

Thesis: Christmas always reminds me of Jesus – Especially how He fulfilled so many prophecies and promises from God’s Word (He fulfilled 300 of them in accordance with the Bible)

Introduction:

The story we have heard tonight of Jesus 1st coming should birth - Hope into the people of God – Yes Christmas is a time to celebrate and be reminded that Hope has Come to a hopeless world! This Hope is called a Living Hope by an old wise fisherman named Peter!

Listen to what an old wise fisherman said about Living Hope:

Scripture verse: I Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), 1 Pe 1:3–6.

Wow - Peter nails it on the head – It’s not just hope that’s come to this dysfunctional world – But it’s a living hope – a hope that will literally touch your heart and your life – it’s alive – The key to experience this “Living Hope” is you must believe and embrace it! When you do you will feel His presence, His touch, You will Hear His Words and See Him! Here is a reality check tonight – Embracing the Living Hope is not just a feeling or a fantasy idea it’s real!