Day 15- HOPE

As we were driving around after a trip to Target tonight, we enjoyed seeing all the homes decorated for Christmas. This has been a whole new experience for Levi, therefore we've enjoyed the freshness of seeing things from *his* eyes as well. One of the things I love about the suburbs are seeing Christmas lights. One particular home in our subdivision had a sign in the front yard that said, "HOPE." Inside the "O" in the word "HOPE" was a manger scene. It may seem simple, but it brought such a calm to my spirit.

In the aftermath of yesterday, everyone needs a little hope. I still don't have any words of wisdom, but I thought this song, which has been going through my mind ever since, is the perfect example of the fallen world we live in, and the end result that we who trust in Jesus can know. I still don't pretend that if I were one of those mamas who lost her baby, I could cling faithfully to this, but I trust the Lord would give me abundant grace when the need arises. I can't think of a greater need than now.

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day,
their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on Earth goodwill to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on Earth, goodwill to men.

And in despair I bowed my head,
"There is no peace on earth, " I said,
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Then pealed the bells, more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep!
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men."

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Hope. Jesus coming brought Hope to all-then and now. He IS The Messiah. Our Hope. The world's hope is one of uncertainty and one we can't control. We hope for things and situations, that we aren't sure will ever come about. But God's hope is sure. This battle is tough and we are oppressed at times, but even in the darkest times, we can be reminded that we know the ending. We win. That's the only Hope that can bring us comfort. That's the only Hope we can share to a world filled with evil. That's the only Hope that gives us reason to celebrate Christmas, even in the midst of sorrow. Can you imagine walking through such grief without knowing for sure that your precious child is cared for by the One, True, Living God? Hope is the balm our souls need when our hearts have been ripped from our chests. Find comfort in Jesus, our only certain Hope tonight.