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We are in my favorite time of the year - Advent. This is the time of year that we really reflect on what is most important to us. In particular, we reflect on how important God's gift of Jesus Christ is to us. The gift of Jesus means a lot to all of us as believers. One of the things that Jesus provides for us is hope.
What is it exactly that we hope when we "hope in the Lord" as it says here in Psalm 119? A whole book could be written on this subject. Let me suggest that we focus on one aspect which is hope in suffering. We all suffer - this is a trait common to all humanity. As Christians, we have a hope that our suffering will have some meaning and that ultimately we will overcome our suffering. The Good News is that in Christ we see how suffering is transformed. We find hope and eventual meaning in our suffering as we look to Christ.
As you begin your Advent season, spend this week focusing in on the hope that is found only in Christ!