MORNING MANNA        12-26-21

Strange how we can hear a song all our life and then suddenly one word or phrase jumps out at us and impresses our heart as never before. That’s what happened to me this week when the words “a thrill of hope” from “O Holy Night” caught my attention. That started a landslide of thoughts. While Christmas is thrilling to a lot of folks, especially children, it is a task to others. For them it becomes a burden rather than a blessing. That’s why we need to keep our focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It inspires hope!

If the world needs anything it is hope. I’m not talking about wishing. I’m talking about the hope that is mentioned in the Scriptures that speaks of absolute assurance, confidence, expectation, a firm conviction that our desires will be met. At this very moment there are those who are wondering where their next meal will come from, how they will pay their bills, or if God will heal their body, restore their marriage, or bring their wayward children back home. They are terrorized by fear and in need of hope.

The good news is that, although the character of the world won’t change, we can live in hope. Regardless of our circumstances we can know that our sins are forgiven, our home is in heaven, and that the grace of God will help us until we get there. Is that not thrilling? So as you worship our soon coming King and look forward to that “new and glorious morn” when He will reign over all the earth– rejoice! Remember, we are able to live in hope because Jesus came, was crucified, buried and raised from the dead. May that thought thrill your heart as never before! My prayer for you is what Paul expressed in Rom. 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost”. You don’t have to live without hope any longer! Christ is our hope (1 Tim. 1:1) and that gives us help and happiness!—HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
www.lakewaybaptist.org