Hebrews 10:23   Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

For many, the first day of December is a harsh reminder of all of the shopping and holiday preparations that must be done in the next three weeks. For others, December 1st is the beginning of the most glorious time of the year --- a time filled with anticipation of a season filled with joy and peace.

Thankfully, the real reason for Christmas comes across loud and clear in today's scripture. Jan Smith offers the following definition for Christian hope: "Christian hope is the absolute assurance welling up in the heart of the Christian that God is in complete control and that He will do what He has promised to do, according to His schedule and by whatever means He chooses."

Who would have imagined that a tiny baby born in a lowly manger would actually be the hope of the world? Only God in His infinite wisdom understood that the simplicity and humility of Jesus' birthplace would be the perfect setting to provide the hope that the world desperately needs.

Sadly, there are so many hurting individuals in our midst ... those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, those who are attempting to create a new existence after a failed marriage, those who are facing significant financial difficulties, those who are battling serious medical issues, those who are all alone.

How can we bring hope to those who are without hope at this time of the year? The answer to this question can be found in Psalm 10:17 "Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them." By giving of ourselves during the holiday season, we can bring His comfort....His hope to those we encounter.

I once read that "Hope was born to be given away - a free gift to those who are hurting." Giving a warm smile to a stranger, delivering a hot meal to an ill neighbor, spending time with a lonely person, purchasing gifts for a family in need are all examples of how we can bring hope to those in OUR world.

My challenge to you today is to take every opportunity to share the HOPE that we have in our awesome God to bring HOPE and COMFORT to others. This is the best gift that we can ever give to anyone...including ourselves.

Dear Lord, Thank You for creating within me the ability to hope. I am grateful that my hope is based on my belief that You are with me and that You care. Help me to always bring this hope to those who are without it.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.