#11 - The Hope of Christmas
I love Christmas time. As a child, my dad (who was our pastor) and mom would invite our entire church congregation to our home for a Christmas Open House. But I realize Christmas isn't fabulous for everyone. For some it's a financial burden. To others, it is a time of loneliness. And others it is filled with difficult memories of missing a loved one or even unpleasant memories growing up. I empathize with you - I do. Although I had a perfect upbringing, my life would change Christmas of 2011 and continue to have a major impact each year around this time of year. Through it all, I saw hope. The hope that God would see me through. The hope of God's provision. The hope of God's protection. The hope of God's healing. And the hope that He would be by strength and never leave my side. This wasn't the path I had planned, but it is the path He has prepared for me. Through it all, Christ truly is our HOPE of CHRISTmas.