Today is the first Sunday of Advent.  Churches and Homes around the world will light the candle of hope.  This begins the season of anticipation of the arrival of the Christ child.  Of course this is symbolic as we know he came long ago.  For believers this also represents the anticipation of his second coming.

The prophet Isaiah foretold his coming.

Below is a devotional I wrote a few years back for our church Advent devotional book.

Celebrating the “Hope” of Christmas

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

As a child I loved to plan my wish list for Christmas.   I had every faith that I would get what I hoped for.   I knew my parents would do their best to see that my dreams were fulfilled.  And sure enough they did not disappoint. 

Over 2000 years ago we were all given a wonderful gift at Christmas  – one that had been talked about and hoped for and for those who believed their faith was made sure.

A Sandi Patti song tells us that “…the gift goes on, the gift goes on, the gift goes on and on and on…”  I like that –  a gift that keeps on giving year after year – forever.

Not only can we receive this gift of the Christ Child, but we can also share Him with others so that they too can receive the gift that He so freely gives.   Because of our salvation in Him we have an everlasting hope for the future.

Our faith is made sure in our hope of eternal life.   This Christmas, in addition to the other gifts we share with one another, let us purpose to also share the gift of the baby Jesus and bring others along as we celebrate His birth, His ultimate gift of salvation, and the hope of eternal life for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the believer, the celebration begins with His birth and continues through eternity!

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the gift that “goes on and on”; A gift that is for all who will receive.  During this time of celebrating the Birth of Christ, help us to share His hope with others so that their faith too can be made sure.  Amen

Hoping in Grace,

Teresa 

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