Thoughts for the Day

'Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together with one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ......

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, from New Revised Standard version)

Thoughts

When I was 14, I was invited to stay with some relatives in London and on my last weekend we were going to Sunday Night at the London Palladium. It was mid-winter, and I had a good time, but the final weekend was going to be the best. I was full of hope for an amazing evening. I had a new dress, and was going to wear my new winter coat, and I was full of excitement.

However, on the Saturday, it snowed.....and snowed! London came to a halt and the show was cancelled! But then unexpectedly my holiday was extended. All week, full of hope again, I waited, and then the following Sunday I did go and see the show.

One definition of hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation. That is exactly how I felt all those years ago, and it is how I feel as a Christian. I have hope, based on my reading of scripture, that God sent His Son to offer us eternal life, and for that I praise God.

Sunday 6th December, follow up thoughts

Heavenly Father,
when life is hard,
and we worry about the future,
fill us with hope,
and help us to
cherish our belief
that You are with us
each day and will
bring us through to a
glorious future.
Amen.