Friday, December 9, 2011

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~


22 comments:

Karin said...

Love your post! An old-time favorite hymn we used to sing as duets many, many years ago. Such pretty harmony and good lyrics!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your writing is beautiful. Did you take the cardinal pictures, how lovely! Even though they are flying, there is so much definition.

Kathy said...

Whispering Hope is one of my favorites too. I hope for joy and peace for you and your family this Christmas season.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

This is truly a beautiful post.

Anonymous said...

Such a thought-provoking post. Beautiful hymn. Blessings to you and yours.

Dorothy said...

Very beautiful and well written post, Glenda!

S. Etole said...

The cardinals are striking! I enjoyed your thoughts on hope, too.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Glenda, First of all, let me say how much I love your photo. Where did you take that one?

Love your thoughts on HOPE... That is what Advent is all about...

Merry Christmas.
Hugs,
Betsy

Glenda said...

Ginny and Betsy, I took the pic last year during our big snow - or big for us here in Louisiana. The cardinals were in our yard, and I just happened to snap them through the kitchen window as they were taking flight from the snow. Looks like clouds, doesn't it?

Thanks for all your kind comments!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Beautiful, Glenda. I hope you have a blessed Christmas and joyful New Year. Loved your post!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Beautiful, Glenda. I hope you have a blessed Christmas and joyful New Year. Loved your post!

Connie said...

So well said. Thank you.

Little white dove said...

Thanks for these wonderful thoughts at this special Christmas Season.

dr momi said...

I'm your new follower. WOW to your photos...and WOW to how the Lord is using you in this blog!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I love the pic...The words are beautiful, thoughtful...I like all the family fun but do feel for the homeless, lonely people

Dawn said...

It has been way way too long since I've been over to visit! Shame on me. Such beautiful cardinals!

Your wonderful words always lift my soul. The lesson on hope is so great - and I haven't heard that song in way too long too!!

Your words remind me of one of the songs in our musical at church on Sunday - it was called "Light a Candle."

thefisherlady said...

Glenda... perfect... just perfect!
Jesus, our Hope of Glory!

thefisherlady said...
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Sharon Lynne said...

Beautiful words and post.

He is our hope!

Dawn said...

I love this, as usual! Hope is such a powerful word and concept.

And I love the music playing in the background.

And the song you quoted - yes, beautiful harmony and words.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I was just thinking about how much we all need hope this morning. Where would we be with out it or Him for that matter. Yes, hope was born on Christmas Day!

Anonymous said...

Amen! Jesus is the hope of the world!