Holding On To Hope

All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. Luke 2:18-19 (NLT)

When you hold an infant, the incredible reality of their innocence and helplessness is obvious. If they are very young, you might be cautioned on just how to hold them, or you might be encouraged if there's a nip in the air to keep them bundled up. Every care is taken to make sure they have everything they need to not just live, but to thrive - to grow.

I love to reach out to their hands and have the baby curl their fingers around mine. Sometimes I'm amazed at just how fiercely they grasp. They hold on tight and at times you have to gently pry your finger from their grasp.

If there's a subplot to the Christmas story, it is in the heart of Mary. For the birth that brought great joy to the world came through pain for her, and at a cost. It was all so different. She had imagined having children with Joseph in her hometown someday, with the birth accompanied by soft music outside which was the custom. If it was a boy, no doubt he would follow in his father's path, becoming a carpenter - respected, but not worshipped.

And yet here she was, far from home, in a stable with animals providing the Muzak - watching shepherds praise her baby as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So she kept her thoughts close and her baby closer. Messiah? Savior? This little one?

Well, until that time He was her baby boy, and as for what might be someday, she'd leave that to the One Who gave her this miracle, and know that as long as she held Him close, she was holding on to hope.

What are you holding onto this Christmas?

Or perhaps I should ask, Who is holding on to you?

Friends, just as I've been amazed at how tightly a baby grasps my finger, there have been times when in trouble I've seen God's hand hold me and keep me secure from harm.

The Bible tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8)

So even when we no longer can hold on - He never lets go.

Remember - no matter what the world might say about you, God spent everything on His gift for you. Do as Mary did - think about that often, it'll bring you hope.

Grace!

David

This devotional is written by David Wilson, pastor of New Hope Baptist church in Valparaiso, FL. If you find you have received this via a forward and would like to receive it regularly, or find you no longer wish to receive it, drop me an email at dwilsonfl@earthlink.net and I'll make the change to the list. If you'd like to know more about New Hope, visit our website at www.newhopevalp.org . May God bless you.

Jo to the world

Walking along the hall of our local hospital, headed to visit a member in ICU, I passed several of the different departments, each of which had decorated their doors for the season. I'm not sure what season though, as it appeared every single expression took great pains not to wish anyone a Merry Christmas.

There was "Happy Holidays" - should be good all year.

Then "Season's Greetings" - only have to change that twice down here, since we only have two seasons.

But finally, I passed a door in which someone had taken silver foil and covered the front, and across the face were the words:

"JO TO THE WORLD." (I think it was missing a letter :)

My question is "Y?"

Is a way of living that emphasizes honesty, integrity, care for your fellow men and women, and selfless living so threatening that it cannot be mentioned? Sometimes I think Harry Potter had the wrong person in mind when he spoke of "He Who Must Not Be Named." It's not Voldemort's name people seem to fear, it is Jesus.

And yet what are they really rejecting?

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!
Luke 2:9-10 (NLT)

Friends, it is good news. No longer does anyone have to live in fear.

Unless you choose to.

Praying that this time of year is more to you than just a season, a holiday, or debt.

I pray you find JOY!

Grace!

David
www.newhopevalp.org