Hopeful
Have you noticed a shift in attitudes, seen more people smiling, talking with others, shaking hands, and expressing a general feeling of hope? Is the Christmas spirit responsible for such a shift or is it something more? The stock market is surging, IRA’s are growing, businesses are open for business, and people have decorated their homes for the holidays like I’ve not seen since I was a child.
I drove home last night and all along the way Christmas lights were displayed in grand measure. Blow-up animals and a Nutcracker 20 feet tall filled one home’s tiny yard to the point of over-flowing. At another home, the entire yard was covered with white “snow” and tiny characters so much that it looked like it belonged on Disneyland’s main street. The Christmas Tree lots and parking lots are packed with families buying Christmas tress and long lines of shoppers stand patiently awaiting to buy gifts. Stockings are being hung over fireplaces and Elves are back on the shelves again. Christmas cards are being mailed instead of sent via TEXT. On the streets you can see people dressed in “ugly sweaters” and “Grinch” costumes on their way to the company Christmas party. At dinner Thursday night, I had to yell over the laughter coming from an office party that took up 1/2 of the restaurant. At the office, the sweet smell of cocoa and Christmas cookies fills the air.
Contrast this Christmas which is much different from recent years following the pandemic where we were locked down and told we could not celebrate the holidays with our families and friends for fear of contamination. It’s as if this Christmas has become symbolic of the hope for the future allowing people to replace fear with hope.
After all, isn’t hope what the season is supposed to represent after all?
Christmas is not only a day of celebration of lights, food, and family, but hope rooted in a savior who was born, lived, and gave his life in order to bring hope to the world. Jesus represents the embodiment of hope because those who believe in him can have everlasting hope, life, and a future beyond the grave. The Bible says we are to “fear not” and for every day of the year there is a reason to not fear. Fear pushes away hope and when there is no fear, hope overflows.
Sadly, there are many who do not enjoy the holidays. Suicide rates increase during the holidays because there will be no tree, no presents, no love, and for many, no safety. Homelessness, abuse, sex trafficking, addiction, abandonment, incarcerations,…all are on the increase.
If you know someone who could use a little hope in their life, we are now offering gift cards called “The Gift Of Hope”. For every gift card purchased someone receives one free session with a trained therapist. We have cut our prices drastically to make this offering possible. Click here for more information.