Hope is the hardest for me to picture and put into words. It's truly a concept I struggle with because to hope means to believe and belief is not my natural go to state of being. I'm working on it! I also equate hope with dreams and I've had too many of those shattered to cling tightly to hope. I fear more disappointment. But I would have to say my greatest hope and surety is heaven. So the picture of my hope would have to include the warm embrace of Christ when I finally see Him face to face. The falling away of the cares and mistakes of this world as I walk toward Him on those golden streets. I picture passing from this life, leaving behind stacks and stacks of suitcases filled with the sorrows, troubles and burdens of this world. In those suitcases is my unbelief, my frustration, my aches and pains, hurts, mistakes, guilts....all left behind as I leave this place and walk into the loving arms of my Savior. A pile of suitcases I no longer carry. That is my hope.
For love a memory comes to mind of my sitting with a sick kitten. This kitten was dying. Happy endings are not always the case in animal rescue. So I sat with this sweet little one, speaking gently about heaven and God's love, singing little tunes, just holding her. That moment brings love to mind...being there through the darkest times with someone. Holding their hand or in this case their body. Coming along side someone who is hurting or struggling. This is the picture of love to me.
Joy shouts freedom. Deep laughter and outstretched arms. I see cartwheels and dancing, running and leaping. A picture of our heart in joy. Freedom. Joy has no weights to drag it down. It's a release from heaviness. Sorrow may still exist but we know the freedom of salvation in Christ. Joy lies at the core.
Many things came to mind for peace. An inky black sky sprinkled with starlight, a hushed walk through a deep forest dappled with sunlight, the rhythmic sound of gentle waves on the shore...all evoke a feeling of peace. For me, sitting with the Lord in the morning in a quiet house is one of the most peaceful feelings I know.
Those are my word pictures for Advent. What are yours? I think clarifying these things in our minds can open the doors of our heart to live in hope, love, joy and peace. We strive for them, pray for them and work with the Lord to build them into our lives. This exercise was a great God visit. I loved revisiting each theme. All point to God with us because each of this is a gift from God for us to open and live with.
Lord, let us open Your gifts of hope, peace, love and joy. You are so generous with us. We need only look to Christmas day and the Cross to know the generosity of Your heart. I praise You this morning and thank You for Your gifts!
Think about he Advent themes and jot down your thoughts if you can.
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