“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.”
Martin Luther
Hope prepares the way for the coming of the Christ child. Hope is the foundation from which our faith grows. Hope stirs our hearts toward shared purpose and the future Kingdom of God promised in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. When we hope, we share our faith with the world.
Spend some time today with these words from Romans. Spend some time with hope.
What is your hope for the new year?
What is our hope for the new year?
Let us pray...
God of all,
All that we have is yours – our grief, loss, unfulfilled plans, confusion, suffering, and worry. All that we have is yours – our faith, peace, hope, joy, and love. Fill us with your Spirit so that we may bear your fullness in the world, showing up where our neighbors need us, whether it be in their suffering, hope, or happiness. Open our hearts and lives to know and exemplify our shared hope found in your son, Jesus the Christ.
Amen.

Casey Cross
Young Disciples Director
Hope Lutheran Church, Eagle, ID