A thought on writing this blog, several hours after I’d already scheduled it: I realize I’ve started a conversation on looking for hope the same evening that we’ve all been watching the news reports of the San Bernardino Shooting. Less than a week after my community of Colorado Springs reeled from the shock of a man, now dubbed The Black Friday Shooter, killing three people.
But isn’t it at times like these that we need to be reminded that there is Hope beyond what we are watching … seeing, hearing … grieving about … on the news?
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I like the gift-giving part of Christmas. It’s fun looking online to find just the right gifts for family and friends. Please notice I said looking online. I am not a fan of malls during the month of December.
Sometimes when I’m gift shopping, I’m checking a list and thinking, “I found just what they wanted.” Sometimes I’m chuckling to myself and thinking, “Oh, are they going to be surprised when they see this.”
After I read today’s quote, I realized there’s something else I should be looking for during this season: hope.
Hope is woven all through the Christmas story. Not the story of Rudolph or Frosty or Buddy the Elf. Although, if you examine those fun fictional stories, the theme of hope is in them too.
But I’m thinking of the true story of Christmas. The first Christmas story that proclaims:
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 NASB
So for the rest of this month, I’m keeping my eyes and heart open for the unexpected ways God reveals hope to me. Join me, please.
In Your Words: What speaks hope to you this Christmas season?
[Tweet “In Others’ Words: Looking for the #Hope of #Christmas #InOthersWords “] [Tweet “” … keep your eyes and heart open for unexpected ways that God will reveal … the hope of Christmas.” #InOthersWords #Christmas”]
Comments 11
I love the joy that’s all around us this season. But you have to look for it. I’m not sure we find it in the mall or along the busy sidewalks, and we don’t find it in the news. I think we find it in the eyes of the children. The little ones who still believe, anticipate and fairly tremble with the wonder of it all. And I think they remind us all of the innocence. The days where we too could stand in wonder, and believe. I pray we all find a few of those precious moments over this busy season – for hope is found in the quiet of our hearts. Where He lives.
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Oh, Cathy, your words allowed me to exhale a little bit this morning. And yes … the children. Maybe this is why we love to celebrate Christmas with children. Just last night I set up the children’s nativity for my GRANDgirls. It’s the one that is down on their leve, the one their little hands can touch while we laugh and play … and talk about baby Jesus. The reason of the season … woven into time with those precious little girls.
Jesus:) That’s how I see hope this season, by keeping my eyes fixed on him. Beautiful post, Beth.
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Amen, Susan. And the quote so gently reminds us: look for the unexpected ways that God will reveal hope to us.
There’s hope in every breath I take, Beth. Hope that there will be another.
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I was awake some through the night, my friend. Prayed for you, Andrew. My prayer was all about HOPE for you.
Yes, disconcerting things outwardly, but still moving forward planning things that matter. I’m soon due for another mbtponders.blog so given the time of year, as my thoughts turn there, I find myself this time choosing gifts based on the delighted looks on the faces of those who will receive them–especially the grandkids. And then I think about The Gift, and Father God’s joy in anticipating our full unbridled joy at all the joy, treasure, fulfillment, everything, packed into that Gift. There’s lots to think on there, and I’m going to go do it . . .
Beth, such a meaningful post. As I’ve spent the last few days following the scripture writing plan, what keeps on striking me is how Jesus is our wonderful counselor, He guides us, He loves us. The fact that He gave up immortality for flesh to live among us is such a reason to hope. Who else could love us like He did?
One other thing that speaks hope is seeing people giving to those in need. I’ve seen it in a few places now, and it reminds me that there is good in a darkening world.
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I’m enjoying the Scripture writing plan too, Jeanne. It is slowing me down and helping focus my heart on the Truth.
I shop very little anymore, giving money–it’s the right color and fits. 🙂 So this year I’m trying to focus more on the joy you talk about.
It makes it easier that I don’t get watch much TV. Praying for the families and friends of those involved in this tragedy.
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Pat:
Prayer, both praying for others and finding that others are praying for me, creates joy. And peace. And comfort. And assurance.