Hope...

As I pause to prepare my heart for this Advent season, God keeps giving me a vision of a small wooden manger with the word “HOPE” rising out of it.

I am surrounded by things that are fighting to spoil my Christmas joy this year - the recent death of a friend of mine in her 40’s, a suicide of another friend’s brother, a relative wrestling with drug addiction, another relative coping with job loss and a very ill wife with no health insurance, an aging parent in a deep depression, and a friend’s marriage which is crumbling.

How thankful I am for that precious baby boy born in that manger who can fill my heart with hope and keep me from focusing on the sadness of these situations. I can have hope because I know my Savior loves me and is in control. As Scripture says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:18-19)
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I imagine you all are dealing with a variety of difficult situations too. I hope that during this Christmas season my little vision of a manger filled with hope helps to bring you peace and joy in the midst of whatever struggles you may be going through. I pray your homes will overflow with joy that can only come from the greatest gift of all-the assurance of eternal salvation through faith in our newborn Savior!
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Merry Christmas!
Susan Truman

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