Hope

He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel… arise and tell them to their children so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the work of God but keep his commands.
Ps. 78:5-7

The busyness of the Christmas season has started. It is only the first week and I have already enjoyed three holiday gatherings, decorated the house and baked a couple dozen Christmas cookies. I feel both a sense of accomplishment and a rush of the Christmas spirit….but is this really the Christmas spirit I want to embrace? It is lovely to be with people and to enjoy indulgences of parties and cookies, but there is something richer to enjoy in this season. Let’s not miss it.

The wall calendar is being filled with Christmas stickers, counting down the days to the 25th. It is a tradition I started with my kids letting them put a Christmas sticker on each day as we countdown. The anticipation is great for my kids! This past Sunday, our family started our advent reading.  We gather around the advent wreath, light the candles and sing and reflect on the baby in a manger.  This hope in His coming over 2000 years ago and His return, fills the room and our hearts.

As I reflect on these verses in the Psalms, which were written before Jesus was born, encouraging parents to pass on God’s testimony and laws to the next generation. I find great hope in their message and in the man who fulfilled the law and provided a new command for us to love one another. There is hope in this great agape love. This hope in Jesus, who came to live among us and redeem His people. He is the reason for my hope today.

Advent is a special time to reflect and anticipate. It is a time to wrap my thoughts around the themes of advent: hope, love, joy and peace. A time to reflect on the greatest gift of them all – Jesus. 

Hope
Having Our Peace in Him Everyday.

How can I embrace the true spirit of Christmas?