I have always loved when Christmas specials came on television because it gets me in the spirit of Christmas! But there is one thing better and that is being at church at Christmas to sing Christmas carols. The other weekend we had a fun time celebrating Christmas. We got to bring “our boys” to have breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at church. There was so much excitement! It was beautiful out so we all went fishing on the boat and saw dolphin! On Sunday morning we celebrated communion with our church family. That afternoon, as staff, we got to cook pancakes for the church after our children's musical. I had a wonderful weekend but there are many people hurting this Christmas. There are many alone. Many need our prayers.
Last year, our small group studied the lyrics to “Joy To The World”. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room…” We shared how we need to prepare more room for God in our life. We need to remember, “He rules the world with truth and grace...” Again, this year, people are looking for hope. What is hope? Hope is a feeling of expectation, a feeling of trust. I don’t think I have ever thought of hope in that way. When we have hope in God, we have a feeling of trust which gives us peace. Peace that only God can give. Philippians 4: 7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” No matter our circumstances, we can have joy because that comes from Jesus!