December 2nd, 2020
By Lani Cole-Mitchell
“We were lost but we were found when hope came down." - Kari Jobe, When Hope Came Down
I cannot believe it is December! Reflecting back on 2020, I’m reminded and grateful for the many emotions and moments that were experienced over the past 11 months…..joy, confusion, sadness, anger, love, grace, acceptance, and hope.
We all have experienced some sort of loss this year with the inability to grieve in the ways in which we are accustomed. Whether it was the loss of a friend or loved one, or the canceling of a major life event or vacation, or even missing out on a senior class trip, we all have felt the pain of loss in some sort of way. Needless to say, things look very different this year, especially with the upcoming holiday season.
Our Thanksgiving was very quiet this year. We didn’t have extra family or friends around our table. The house was not filled with the laughter and loudness that family brings. Our Christmas plans have been scheduled over several days to ensure the safety and health of our family and friends. It’s not going to be the same….and that is OK!
This is the time of year where we gather with friends and family. We hug. We share stories. We laugh. We break bread at the table. We exchange gifts. We cry. We are fully present with each other. So, how do we replicate that during a pandemic when numbers are spiking and we are anxiously awaiting a vaccine and return to “normal?”
First, I believe it is of the utmost importance to accept that things will be different and trust God’s presence in all of this. I know I’ve said this before…. it’s not easy. It’s not expected to be. I believe that in those moments of the truly difficult times, when we lean into God more than we ever have, we grow. We grow in our faith. We grow in grace. We grow as the people God created us to be.
Jeremiah 29:11-14a says: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord."
The second important thing to remember about all of this that we are living and experiencing is one simple word: HOPE. On Sunday, we started our Advent season by lighting the candle of hope. Hope is our assurance that God will finish all He has started. Hope is our confidence that He will do all He has promised. The world is broken and the wait is long, but hope remains. Hope holds space for all of our longings. “Keep awake,” Hope whispers, “for the world is being made new.”
Hope was born in a stable, laid in a manger, and sacrificed for each and every one of us.
What does hope look like to you? I encourage you to take time throughout this season and reflect on that word….hope. Sing carols of hope. Pray prayers of hope. And live each day filled with hope, knowing that God has us in all of this. He is and always will be fully present with us. Even in those moments that seem so quiet and dark and alone, hope is the light that shines through reminding us of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. A miracle baby sent to save us and this world.
Here is a link to the song, “When Hope Came Down,” by Kari Jobe, for you to listen to and inspire hope in your heart this season.
“We were lost but we were found when hope came down." - Kari Jobe, When Hope Came Down
I cannot believe it is December! Reflecting back on 2020, I’m reminded and grateful for the many emotions and moments that were experienced over the past 11 months…..joy, confusion, sadness, anger, love, grace, acceptance, and hope.
We all have experienced some sort of loss this year with the inability to grieve in the ways in which we are accustomed. Whether it was the loss of a friend or loved one, or the canceling of a major life event or vacation, or even missing out on a senior class trip, we all have felt the pain of loss in some sort of way. Needless to say, things look very different this year, especially with the upcoming holiday season.
Our Thanksgiving was very quiet this year. We didn’t have extra family or friends around our table. The house was not filled with the laughter and loudness that family brings. Our Christmas plans have been scheduled over several days to ensure the safety and health of our family and friends. It’s not going to be the same….and that is OK!
This is the time of year where we gather with friends and family. We hug. We share stories. We laugh. We break bread at the table. We exchange gifts. We cry. We are fully present with each other. So, how do we replicate that during a pandemic when numbers are spiking and we are anxiously awaiting a vaccine and return to “normal?”
First, I believe it is of the utmost importance to accept that things will be different and trust God’s presence in all of this. I know I’ve said this before…. it’s not easy. It’s not expected to be. I believe that in those moments of the truly difficult times, when we lean into God more than we ever have, we grow. We grow in our faith. We grow in grace. We grow as the people God created us to be.
Jeremiah 29:11-14a says: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord."
The second important thing to remember about all of this that we are living and experiencing is one simple word: HOPE. On Sunday, we started our Advent season by lighting the candle of hope. Hope is our assurance that God will finish all He has started. Hope is our confidence that He will do all He has promised. The world is broken and the wait is long, but hope remains. Hope holds space for all of our longings. “Keep awake,” Hope whispers, “for the world is being made new.”
Hope was born in a stable, laid in a manger, and sacrificed for each and every one of us.
What does hope look like to you? I encourage you to take time throughout this season and reflect on that word….hope. Sing carols of hope. Pray prayers of hope. And live each day filled with hope, knowing that God has us in all of this. He is and always will be fully present with us. Even in those moments that seem so quiet and dark and alone, hope is the light that shines through reminding us of the love and grace of Jesus Christ. A miracle baby sent to save us and this world.
Here is a link to the song, “When Hope Came Down,” by Kari Jobe, for you to listen to and inspire hope in your heart this season.
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