CHRISTMAS PRAYER!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

One of my favorite Christmas Carols states - "A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn." O' Holy Night

Does Christmas thrill you? In a recent pole, 70% interviewed stated that this season creates major stress in their life. A time of the year for celebrating joy, peace, hope and love becomes stressful for many people. Over 50% stated they were stress out about gifts. (receiving and giving) Maybe our focus and priority for the season is all mixed up. Plan the party, tirm the tree, max out the credit card, wrap, ship, take a trip, Oh, and what about the case of the holiday blues. All this stuff that surrounds the season can blur our vision of the Christ child and the hope He brings.

Sometimes the stuff that goes along with the season is the very thing that robs us from knowing the WONDER of Christmas!!

But, if Christ's coming into this world offers hope, and hope, as the song says, provides a thrill, how do we locate that experience amid the distraction and disillusionment of December? Well, that is the cool thing about HOPE. Just as total darkness can't hold back the light of a tiny flame, so does even the smallest increment of HOPE provide joy and purpose.

Here is a scripture I've been mulling over on the subject:

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen - Hebrews 11:1

Notice the parallel between "things hoped for" and "things not seen." The plus side is that Hope, through Christ, is available to you no matter what you see, hear or feel. It is above your circumstances, problems and worries.

We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulations brings about perseverance; and perseverance proven character; and proven character hope; and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

"Hope does not disappoint"!!! Wow! What a promise......

Max Lucado thinks so: "Hope is not what you'd expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch-me-I'm-dreaming ending.... Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction"

"Love... hopes all things... but now abides faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:7,13)

In Dr. Seuss' classic Christmas tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch suffers from having a small heart. The source of his heart problem is his lack of understanding the meaning of Christmas. As the story goes, the Grinch tries to put a stop to Christmas, but in the end, he comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes. This heart change makes a big difference in his life. Maybe we need a heart change during this special time of the year. Re-visit the story and let the wonderful Christmas message resonate in your heart and produce "joy unspeakable and fullness of His glory!

May you be blessed by God's provision during this season and throughout the coming year!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Bishop Dennis and Judy Page