The Annual Renewal of Hope

I hate when people talk about how the Christmas season has become stressful and busy and we need to slow down and appreciate things and "remember the reason for the season." Mostly because I never feel very stressed about Christmas or like I've forgotten why Christmas is a holiday and I just love this time of year. But I guess at some point I do start to get so wrapped up in the atmosphere and the Christmas parties and friends and family that I do sort of forget what it's all about in lieu of remembering what Jesus did for us.

But somehow, no matter what, God figures out a way to get to me and when I least expect the reality of the Christmas story and the fact that Jesus became human for humanity hits me like a freight train. And I never quite know how to handle myself in those moments, because I am stuck, immobile, paralyzed by the knowledge that God humbled himself, became one of us, taught us the truth, and died like a criminal for people who could never ever deserve it. It's like a light being turned on in a dim room, and all of a sudden everything becomes more clear.

It's kind of magical how this happens. I never anticipate it, and I never get tired of it. It fills me with such joy to know that there is a Light shining in this darkness that seems to consume our world and that the Light can never be overcome, no matter how dark it gets. It gives hope in this dismal world. It gives life to those who are dead. It brings peace to those who are weary.

I want this feeling of deep, heartfelt understanding and gratitude to be spread to every single person in the whole world.

Walking in Darkness

I've been following a lot of what's been going on in America recently in regards to the Ferguson riots, and now all the stuff about Eric Garner. I've also seen snippets of what's going on in places like Mexico right now and it seems like everywhere I turn, bad things are happening and I'm finding myself really disheartened and disillusioned lately.

But I was just reminded of something that I really needed to hear right now, and I think a lot of other people do too.

"I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." - John 8:12

We live in a dark world, but we don't have to live in darkness because we have Jesus, and he is the light of the world. Remember that today.