“We have this HOPE as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure.”
Hebrews 6:19
Christmas brings back fond memories of a small country church in SE Oklahoma. Following a Christmas program, which always included beautiful carols, all the children received a bag of goodies containing an apple, an orange, and a variety of candy, a real treat during those lean years. My favorite carol was “Away in A Manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head…” This always gave me a warm feeling in my heart (and still does).
As a child, I understood little about the profound significance of the birth of a Savior who had come to give HOPE to a world that had lost its song. This HOPE became a reality a few years later because of his empty tomb.
I experienced this same kind of HOPE when my daughter, Serena, passed away last January. Shortly after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, she said, “Mom, I know that God has a purpose for this.” Because of her strong faith and unshakable HOPE, she was able to touch many lives through her journals and her memorial service.
“The unbeliever only sees a hopeless end to life, but the Christian sees an endless HOPE.”
Billy Graham
We can still enjoy those bags of goods at Christmas, but there is more, so much more! May our hearts overflow with Joy this Christmas because of the endless HOPE we have in Christ Jesus.
Naomi Nakamura
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