J - O - Y!!

Our four grandchildren - Christmas '08
One of my favorite Christmas pics


Christmas is not about what we want.  
It's about what we have.
~from Josie's Gift - a favorite children's book, which I just read again~

HOPE

Hope really floats this time of year!

Children hope for certain gifts under the tree.  Parents hope all the family can enjoy Christmas together. The lonely just hope for a smile, an encouraging word, a phone call. Some hope for a white Christmas, while others hope they have the means to keep their home and children warm.  Shoppers hope that the recipients of their gifts are pleased, yet those who cannot buy for others hope for a better year next year.  Cooks hope that each dish they prepare turns out just perfect.  The hungry hope for a miracle that will keep them from starving. And the list goes on and on . . . hoping, hoping, hoping.

All of these scenarios are realities, but in this Advent season we are reminded of a much greater reality.  Over 2000 years ago in an humble setting, Hope Himself was born.  Because He came, we can experience hope - no matter our circumstances.   A relationship with Him gives us hope for today . . . for all our tomorrows . . . for eternity.

I hope that each of you hears the  beautiful, life-giving whispers of Hope during this Christmas season.  And may we all share His hope with the hurting world around us.

Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone 

Whispering hope, oh, how welcome thy voice,

Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

~Lyrics - Whispering Hope~

Love Came

Love came down
all the way
D
O
W

N

to the muck and mire and messiness

right where we were . . .

 and forever changed history.

And He still comes

to where we are

no matter how messy

or how deep we're stuck in the muck and mire . . .

and His coming

forever changes our lives.

~gt~

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.