A Hope Box is a place to symbolically leave your specific concerns with God, providing limitless opportunities to release every aspect of Christmas to the One Whose birthday we’re celebrating.

Your Hope Box can be a box wrapped in colorful Christmas paper, a plain, unwrapped box—or even a cookie tin. (For those struggling to survive in war-torn countries, if it’s impossible to find a box to use, try using a scarf or piece of cloth, or simply write down your concerns and imagine releasing them to God). If possible, place your Hope Box where you’ll see and use it—under a Christmas tree, on a table, dresser, or kitchen counter, etc.

Begin writing down your needs or concerns to put into your Hope Box. Applying 1 Peter 5:7’s instructions: casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you, you can begin using your Hope Box today. When you open your Hope Box to add new concerns, remember to thank God He is able to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus, per Philippians 4:19. Look to Him instead of focusing on the world’s problems.

• If you’re missing family members and friends, remember God understands—He sent His only Son into the world for us. Notice the love in Jesus’ voice when He says, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (John 8:12, NKJV). Write down names or initials of each person you miss and pause to thank God His light and life shine in your darkness. Place each completed paper in your Hope Box, entrusting those you miss— and the love and longing you have for them—to Jehovah El Roi, the God Who Sees.
• If you feel sad, write down what’s triggering your sadness, remembering Jesus was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3, ESV). He, the Man of Sorrows, understands your sorrows—and cares for you! Placing all worries in your Hope Box, you can release each concern or sorrow into the tender care of the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
• Perhaps your life is at a crossroads—unemployed, in a difficult relationship, homeless, or uncertain about “next steps.” Write about your need for direction, and then entrust each concern to Jesus, remembering His promise to guide you. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11, ESV).
• He will supply your needs and is the Source of all good gifts (every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights... (James 1:17). Write down each of your needs and wait on His perfect provision.
• God (the Vine, per John 15:5) produces good fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As we yield our lives to God, we can trust the Holy Spirit for transformation in our hearts, minds, and relationships.
• Think about other Names of Jesus—Messiah (Matthew 2:4), Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29), King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6: 15-16), your Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Will you entrust your cares to Jesus—the Messiah, Lamb of God, King of Kings, your High Priest?

Are there other concerns, fears, or worries you want to place in your Hope Box, releasing them to God as an act of faith?

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6, ESV