hope

As I wake up this morning to yet another foggy, overcast day I realize that the weather suits my mood. This happens every Christmas season … at least all of them that I can clearly remember. Every Christmas season I struggle and fight to find hope.

After Friday’s tragedy I struggle even more, but for me the struggle would be there even if the tragedy didn’t happen.

You see, my most significant losses have happened during the Christmas season. I’ve lost both my grandfather and my dad just a few days before Christmas (30 years apart). As a teenager my parents separated during the Christmas break. As an adult I know that there were many years of problems but as a kid I just saw my family falling apart at Christmas. I’ve lost two babies between Thanksgiving and New Years. And to compound things, the days are super short and dreary this time of year…and I’m one who needs light.

However, it was during the Christmas season when I was 21 that I realized that my life was hopeless and pretty meaningless. So I began the journey to find Hope.

Hope wasn’t talked about in my family…other than, “I hope I get an Atari for Christmas”. But true Hope, life giving Hope and Comfort was not something my family knew about. We just dealt with life as best we could and moved on trying not to cause too much pain for others.

A few months later, over spring break, I met the Hope of the World. He came into my life and I realized that He was there all along, waiting for me. He’s waiting for you, too.

Jesus Christ is the Hope that has come and is coming again…and still comes to us each day.

Some people say that believing in Christ is a crutch. Maybe so, but I’m wounded – just like everyone else – and wounded people get well when they have “crutches”.

If you’re struggling this Christmas season I want to encourage you to seek the One who came when the world was at it’s darkest and brought Light.(John 8:12)   The One who elevated the view of women for all time. (John 4:7-20)  The One who loved children so much that he reprimanded his followers. (Matt. 19:14)

The One who loves you so much that He died to bring you eternal life, hope and comfort. (John 3:16)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Thanks for sharing with your friends!