The First Letter of John summarised what it means to be a Christian – believe in the name of Jesus Christ and love one another. This reminds us of Jesus' own words to the rich young ruler – love God and love your neighbour. The author then warned the people not to be deceived by false spirits. They were to listen to those who proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Son of God for they would speak the truth. Today, we hear many who use the name Christian but who do not live according to their belief in Jesus Christ. Fake Christians create false hope, painting a sweet rosy life without the cross. On the other extreme, those who perpetually prophecy doomsday without hope are suspects too. A true Christian is hopeful.

Hope is a realistic virtue. Jesus had just undergone His time of temptation when He heard that John the Baptist had been arrested. He went to Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee to begin His ministry – to preach repentance and to be a light in the darkness. Matthew described Jesus' ministry as a ministry of raising hope by preaching and healing. As He taught in the synagogues and healed the sick, His fame spread, and crowds followed Him from all around. Jesus lived out what He preached as He treated those who came to Him with compassion and love. In our world, we see hope even when a true prophet is chained, because another is born.