But those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 CSB

I realize that I am posting later than normal. I did have my blog written earlier but decided to ditch it. I had already planned that we would look at the four themes of advent as we approach the Christmas season. The first of which is hope.

I had definitions and explanations of the Hebrew and Greek words for hope and verses for why we have hope in the Lord. But then I realized (or maybe the Lord helped me realize) that my somewhat “dry” explanation of our hope was sadly lacking. Because hope is a feeling. Hope is joyous anticipation.

Our hope was born along with our Savior in a stable in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Our hope renews and strengthens us. It allows us to soar above the troubles of this world and continue to focus on the source of that hope, our Lord.

Even when storms come and even when we feel like we are in the pit with Joseph, hope still joyously anticipates that the Lord our God will work all things for our good. Our hope is not based on our circumstances but on our relationship with the Lord. He never changes, He is with us always, He has plans for our lives, He is our refuge, and He is our hope.

As our faith and trust in the Lord grow, so, too, does our joyful anticipation, our hope, in this life as well as the next eternal life.

So, this week discover and embrace your hope. Joyfully anticipate the Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we hope, joyously anticipate, the celebration of Christmas.

Blessings and hope in the Lord!