Hope

   The darkness of the world does indeed hover over us.  The first light we ignite is one for Hope.  As we begin this Advent, this time of waiting, it's more important than ever to hold tightly to the hope that God has promised.  We can look over history and pinpoint the moments of darkness where God is present, faithful, just and loving.  We have as the human race, gone through trials and horrors and disaster.  But, my friends, we have survived...God has promised us eternal life and honors that promise.                               

While the darkness descends during these winter months, It is even more crucial that we share the light of hope to one another and to the world at large.  Because, as God’s beloved, we are being asked to carry the light of Christ within us.  We are being asked to bring to our lives the awareness God’s will never leave us.  God’s love is endless.  God’s love is unconditional.  We are exactly who God adores – imperfections and all.  Friends, God wants us to give birth to this awareness in ourselves, in others, in the whole world. 

Hope is real. God’s love is real. Our journey together is real. While the circumstances of the world change constantly,  God’s love for us never changes. 

Therein, lies our hope.

Words to ponder about Hope

 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

 “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama

 “You are not here merely to make a living, you are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.” – Woodrow Wilson

 “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”  – Desmond Tutu

 “When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there.”     - Jim Henson

 “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  Romans 15:4