This is the first week of Advent and I want to help us focus on something that will keep us going all through the year whatever it may bring and that is the first gift of Christmas, which is the gift of HOPE.
When we look at our lives through our spiritual glasses and through the lens of faith, it is possible to maintain hope even when things don't turn out the way we want. God always has Plan B. Sometimes God doesn't give us what we want. He gives us something BETTER!
For Reflection
If this post has encouraged you, do join our community and receive my weekly posts. You'll also receive my free guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". All you have to do is enter your email address in the box provided. While you're at it, pass it on. Someone you know may need a little hope this season.
In case you might not know, Advent means "coming" or "arrival". It is a time of expectation, anticipation, and preparation leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ. The Advent wreath is made up of evergreens to remind us that even though we may be in a season of winter where things seem dead and we don't see any growth happening, new life will come again. It is a time to focus on the true gifts of Christmas which do not come in a nicely decorated box.
So how do we keep hope alive during the tough times? When people mistreat us or leave us? When the world feels unjust and unfair? When life hasn't panned out the way we would have liked?
Biblical Story
Let's look at the example of the young girl named Mary, who was probably no more than 13 or 14 years old. The angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she was going to be with child without having known a man. Now, these days unwed mothers are a regular occurrence, but not in those days. In those days, being pregnant outside of marriage was a sin and a crime punishable by stoning to death, not a very happy prospect to be sure. But what was Mary's response?
"Let it be done unto me according to your word."
Mary's response was one of willingness, trust, and surrender. She submitted her life and her will for God's purposes no matter what the cost. She was willing to endure the shame of being an unwed mother and possible death by stoning to be obedient to God. Mary had no idea of the pain and suffering she would endure to bring the Christ child into this world. Mary had received the first gift of Christmas - HOPE.
The Source of Hope
Mary's hope was in God and in His great love for her. For this same reason, we, too, can have hope this holiday season. When we are secure in the knowledge of God's immeasurable and unfailing love or us, no matter what comes our way, good or bad, we can rest in God's promise to always be with us and to never forsake us, no matter who else does. And what better partner to have in life than the Lord God Almighty?
God's Promise to You and Me
Jesus is also called Emmanuel, which means "God with us". God promises to be with us, particularly during the tough times. One of my favorite verses is Ps. 34:18 which says: "God is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." We all get down at times, but it is in these tough times, that the Lord is closest to us.
Let's look at the example of the young girl named Mary, who was probably no more than 13 or 14 years old. The angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she was going to be with child without having known a man. Now, these days unwed mothers are a regular occurrence, but not in those days. In those days, being pregnant outside of marriage was a sin and a crime punishable by stoning to death, not a very happy prospect to be sure. But what was Mary's response?
"Let it be done unto me according to your word."
Mary's response was one of willingness, trust, and surrender. She submitted her life and her will for God's purposes no matter what the cost. She was willing to endure the shame of being an unwed mother and possible death by stoning to be obedient to God. Mary had no idea of the pain and suffering she would endure to bring the Christ child into this world. Mary had received the first gift of Christmas - HOPE.
The Source of Hope
Mary's hope was in God and in His great love for her. For this same reason, we, too, can have hope this holiday season. When we are secure in the knowledge of God's immeasurable and unfailing love or us, no matter what comes our way, good or bad, we can rest in God's promise to always be with us and to never forsake us, no matter who else does. And what better partner to have in life than the Lord God Almighty?
God's Promise to You and Me
Jesus is also called Emmanuel, which means "God with us". God promises to be with us, particularly during the tough times. One of my favorite verses is Ps. 34:18 which says: "God is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." We all get down at times, but it is in these tough times, that the Lord is closest to us.
The Future is Bright
Like Mary, sometimes we don't know what the future holds, but we can hold fast to the One who does because God is faithful. His promise to us is this: "The path of the righteous grows brighter and brighter" (Prov. 4:18).
When we look at our lives through our spiritual glasses and through the lens of faith, it is possible to maintain hope even when things don't turn out the way we want. God always has Plan B. Sometimes God doesn't give us what we want. He gives us something BETTER!
As we enter this Advent season, let's choose to focus on the gifts of the season, rather than what may be missing or not perfect in our lives. Above all, let's trust God. His timing is perfect and he is working ALL things out for our good, even if we don't see it at the moment. God's ways are higher than our ways, and God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
For Reflection
What are your hopes this holiday season? What is the longing of your heart? Whatever it is, give it to the Lord, and trust that He will surround you with His amazing love this season. His gifts are for every child of His and that means each and every one of us. When all else fades, Jesus is still there to light our way. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12). Choose to walk in the light this holiday season.
If this post has encouraged you, do join our community and receive my weekly posts. You'll also receive my free guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". All you have to do is enter your email address in the box provided. While you're at it, pass it on. Someone you know may need a little hope this season.
Need a gift? Consider giving a copy of my inspirational true story, "The Power of Faith: a journey to healing, wholeness, and harmony" available on Amazon and your favorite online booksellers. (ebook only on Amazon temporarily, paperback & hardcover at your favorite booksellers).
For all kinds of interesting tips and info from exercise and diet, to mindfulness and meditation to the benefits of tea, pop on over to my Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/arielpaz/boards/
Stay tuned for more encouraging and uplifting posts this month.
Until next time,
Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
Stay tuned for more encouraging and uplifting posts this month.
Until next time,
Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
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