Hope

The concept of HOPE seems to be a recurring theme as of late. However it is something that I feel that we must have in order to proceed forward. On Christmas Eve we went to the Eve Service at our church and tears sprang to my eyes. Somewhere in the midst of the two or three hymn that we were singing, my eyes settled upon the choir and upon two individuals in particular.

For years there was a vivacious, full-of-spirit woman who was a member of our church. She was a deacon, she led quilting groups, she was involved in Bible study, and vacation Bible school for the little kids. She worked in the front office of her husband's medical practice and always had a sparkling word and smile for everyone. She was a wife, a mother to a quiet son, and an incredible woman all around. She was full of faith, hope, and spirit, and about two years ago she lost her battle with breast cancer. Thus it was when my eyes landed on her husband singing in the choir, and on her only child sitting quietly behind the choir, that I couldn't help but recognize how sad at times the holidays must be for some individuals. And it was right after that moment that my eyes landed on the banner hanging in front of the church with the word HOPE.

The son and the father feel it. The homeless individuals at the shelter singing Christmas carols last week, they felt it. And in the moment when I looked at my father sitting beside me in the pew, himself a cancer survivor-I felt it too. And this is what the entire holiday season is about-the word of HOPE. For Christians, it is hope in the love and life of Jesus Christ. For others, it may be the hope that family and friends bring. And the New Year, brings hope for another year full of love, grace, happiness, health, and opportunities to bless the lives of others. It is my wish that each of you is feeling the HOPE of the holiday season, and believe in the capacity of healing. Continued Happy Holidays! May you receive the fullness of your heart in 2008!