Hope Unwrapped

 Hope Unwrapped

This Sunday is the beginning of Advent which is a preparation for our Christmas Season. In many churches candles will be lit to celebrate different themes. Hope, love, joy, and peace. Today my mind went to the HOPE that we have as Christians.

One of the technological wonders that we enjoy these days is Facetime. It of course is being able to talk to people face to face on our phones. Happy faces crowd the screen telling of the newest game or toy they have or even a tour through a cleaned bedroom could be on the agenda. At the bottom of the screen is a little symbol that you can use to turn your screen in another direction. Many times little fingers have interrupted my struggling saying, “This button Grandma.” Indeed the screen was focused outward. Oh, it was wonderful for viewing new Christmas decorations, an updated view of Illinois weather, including snowdrifts, or the ten-foot-tall corn outside our door. An amazing thing to say the least.

Sometimes we even Christians can direct too much focus on the world outside with the sin that steals and destroys lives. Unfortunately, if we tarry there too long it can change our whole perspective on life. We turn the camera of our eyes to the hopelessness of the world instead of the hope of God which can lead to a joyless heart. We can forget the promises that are ours who believe on the Lord Jesus. The world does not give us hope but usually just the opposite. I love Psalm 42:11 that says, “why my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

My favorite verse on hope is in Romans as it sustained our family through difficult times. I like to call it Larry’s verse.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Jesus, himself told us that we would have trouble in this life but by no means should we live in hopelessness. He is our HOPE.

As hearts hope this Christmas for all kinds of things including peace on earth, no more hurt and sorrow or even a superhero game, may we be filled with the joy that only hope in Jesus brings.