Christmas is a time for peace on earth and goodwill towards man. It is also a stressful time organizing or attending the Christmas get together, last minute gift shopping, crowded malls, or waiting for that package to arrive. For many, myself included it has been a time of change. The last few years with the pandemic, restrictions, mandates, employment shortages have made life more challenging than usual. Many people are choosing to change their lifestyle, some are relocating to other states or countries, changing their careers, and really assessing what are the important factors for a happy and fulfilling life. Many people have also looked deep into their faith and formed a relationship with God and his Son Jesus Christ. I am also one of them. I wrote a blog about why the whole world celebrates Christmas, but this article is about hope. Feeling despair, anxiety, stress around this time of the year is heightened by the aforementioned changes and finding God and seeking forgiveness for past sins is like finding refuge from the craziness of the world.
A favorite bible passage about hope says it all for me;
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. JEREMIAH 29:11
In this passage, although things may not be going the way you hope, the Lord declares that your plans are already laid out and you will not be harmed but prosper with plans to give you hope and a future. I have realized that one I realized my plans were already laid out, I could relax and not stress about the future. Each day I wake up and have food and shelter provided and a sound mind I can relax and know that my future is filled with hope and prosperity.
