Give Hope

Question to think about: Do you give hope?

My friend oversees the ministry, Tree of Hope, which provides a way for people to reach out to members in our community and county during Christmas. There appeared to be more need than help. People prayed.

And, then it happened . . . people began lining up at the Tree of Hope counter on Sunday to help people and a $1,000 check arrived from Wal-Mart to help. Need remains . . . but hope is renewed.

Hope changes lives . . . when all seems lost . . . and life is lived in darkness . . . in pain . . . in sorrow . . . in hopelessness . . . Hope arrives . . . Light enters . . . pain becomes a tool . . . life changes.

God's messenger brought a message of hope:
"He'll drink neither wine nor beer. He'll be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mother's womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God's arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he'll get the people ready for God." (Luke 1: 15-17, The Message)

Get people ready for Christmas . . . the day we acknowledge the coming of Christ, God with us:
Give hope.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . asking God what to do.
Give people an opportunity to meet Hope . . . Christ, God with us.

Learning with you to give hope.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)