Anticipation grows into hope…

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. Einstein

If anticipation is like planting a seed, then hope is seeing that seed sprout! Most children anticipate Christmas with glee but are hoping for one special gift. It might be a bike or a doll or a Red Ryder BB gun!  Out of love, parents generally try to fulfill that wished for gift. As Christmas gets closer, kids may spot a box under the tree that matches the shape of their desired present which turns their anticipation into a firm hope.

 As we grow older, Christmas become less about the gifts under the tree and more about the love between those around the tree. The peace and joy of celebrating the Savior’s birth with loved ones is what infuses meaning into the Christmas season. Our hope is simpler, yet deeper. 

 Make sure to find time in the busy days leading up to Christmas to have quiet time with God, to remember why and what we hope for. And make sure that you share that hope with others because, as the angels knew, hope should be shared and belongs to everyone.