Hope

I LOVE Christmas. It is my very, absolutely, most favoritest (I realize this is not a real word) time of year. The tree, the lights, cinnamon scents, the yummy goodies, the gift giving, the paper and ribbon, the Salvation Army bell ringers - I absolutely LOVE it all!!!
Mostly I love it because of what it means - what we are celebrating: the greatest gift ever given. God sending his son. I'm in love with it, I'm in love with Christ, and because of that I am totally in love with Christmas.
In church yesterday we began the Advent readings. Do you know about Advent...it's all new to me. Advent means "the coming". This weeks reading/candle lighting was "HOPE". What a wonderful way to begin celebrating this season After all, Christ was the hope they were waiting on, and He is the HOPE whose second coming we are awaiting.

Mary, Did You Know?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

would one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy

has come to make you new;

and this child that you delivered

will soon deliver you?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

would give sight to the blind man?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

would calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy

has walked where angels trod?

And, when you kissed your little baby

you've kissed the face of God?

Oh, Mary, did you know?

Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear

the dead will live again.

The lame will leap,

the dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb.

Oh, Mary, did you know?

that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy

would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy

was Heaven's perfect Lamb?

And, the sleeping child you're holding is the great I Am?

Oh, Mary, did you know?

Could you imagine being Mary? Knowing what no one else fully understands - that your child is the Son of God - the HOPE of the world?