Tis the Season: Hope or Despair?

The sky was gray today. That makes for a lonely, dark feeling especially during the holidays when you’re missing a family member. Where is the hope during Christmas festivities?

When my world is dark, He is light. Our God shines through, piercing the darkness in our souls.

The hole in my heart feels immense some days as I miss those that used to sit in chairs around the table. I’ve decided there will always be a hole in my heart for those I’ve lost, but thanks be to God for filling more of it each day if I let him. On those days when I’m doing life with the hustle and bustle of the holiday and I’m blindsided with grief, my heart feels as if it’s going to burst. I remind myself in Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous hand”.

God is our hope. Without hope what would Christmas be? God is good and his love is real and it’s forever. Let’s rest in that peace and enjoy the hope of Christmas.

Dear God, Help us to fix our eyes on you, our Savior, our Hope, and our Friend. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

• Rhonda Armstrong has been following the Lord since she was 8 years old.
• She is wife of 46 years to Bobby; mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, caregiver, and friend.
• She is a retired elementary music teacher.