CHRISTMAS A SEASON OF HOPE Finding hope in your troubles

“Then I will give her vineyards from there, and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope and expectation (anticipating the time when I will restore my favor on her). And she will sing there and respond as in the days of her youth As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.

Hosea 2:15

Are you walking through a deep valley in this Holiday Season?

Do you wonder why?

Many have found their suffering led them to a place of hope through experiencing the love, peace and comfort of Jesus. It’s a road they wouldn’t have chosen, yet, most agree that God’s love is not easily explained away.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are universally celebrated with gratitude and cheer. Yet, many people are going through heartbreak. You may be one of those people.

If you are that one let’s take a look at the babe born in a manger on Christmas day instead. He was a king conceived by a single teen mother. His birth took place in a dark, cold cave not fit even for animals. His father, by the grace of God , married his mother but only through the intervention of an angel.

Maybe you feel as though God is punishing you? Or, that he has forgotten you?

Even so, our Jesus came into this cold dark world for you. He positioned himself as low as he could to help us navigate a sin cursed world. And, to bring us as the “door of hope” to the glorious place of heaven with his father. No, he hasn’t forgotten you. How could he when he came to die for you.

Through his death he took sin on himself and was in truth “abandoned” by our father. A father who is holy and would not save him from that cross. Such a love as this is not standing in judgement of you.

He is showing you a way through in your valley to a closer walk with him. As we know him we learn of his great love for us.

I hope this brings you the hope, comfort and peace that only Jesus can give. And, may your Holiday Season be bright with his love.

"O Holy Night"

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees,
Oh, hear the angel voices
O night divine,
O night when Christ was born
O night divine,
O night, O night divine,

The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees,
Oh, hear the angel voices
O night divine,
O night when Christ was born
O night divine,
O night, O night divine,

O holy night

(lyrics taken from https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/lonestar/oholynight.html)