While “almost hope” reminds us that there are brighter days ahead, we still have to go through the darkness. Like Mary, many of us find ourselves dealing with unplanned events that can turn our lives upside down. Over two thousand years ago, a baby showed up and Jesus brought us hope for the future — that we will be redeemed. He brought hope for the present — that we are not alone but are loved and have purpose. He brought hope even over the past — that our failures are not greater than God’s power to transform. And we are to carry the hope we have in Him with us, bringing it to those who are struggling.

While “almost hope” reminds us that there are brighter days ahead, we still have to go through the darkness. Like Mary, many of us find ourselves dealing with unplanned events that can turn our lives upside down. Over two thousand years ago, a baby showed up and Jesus brought us hope for the future — that we will be redeemed. He brought hope for the present — that we are not alone but are loved and have purpose. He brought hope even over the past — that our failures are not greater than God’s power to transform. And we are to carry the hope we have in Him with us, bringing it to those who are struggling.

During this time of year, we sing about “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” But the reality is it seems that we don’t have peace on earth. There are conflicts around the globe, there are broken relationships in our lives, and there is a lack of peace in our hearts. Our “almost” peace seems far away from an “altogether” peace. What we believe about peace directly influences how we seek it. Peace doesn’t come through denial, avoidance, or distraction, but rather through acknowledgement, engagement, and disruption. If you want peace at Christmas, make peace at Christmas.

During this time of year, we sing about “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” But the reality is it seems that we don’t have peace on earth. There are conflicts around the globe, there are broken relationships in our lives, and there is a lack of peace in our hearts. Our “almost” peace seems far away from an “altogether” peace. What we believe about peace directly influences how we seek it. Peace doesn’t come through denial, avoidance, or distraction, but rather through acknowledgement, engagement, and disruption. If you want peace at Christmas, make peace at Christmas.

At His most desperate time, Jesus invited His closest disciples to stay near Him and to pray with Him. And they let him down. As Jesus faced His journey to the cross, although He appeared to stand alone, He was never abandoned by His Father. At times, You too may feel abandoned. Although we work for unity, sometimes others simply refuse to stay at the table, to continue the difficult conversation, to support us in our time of need. But we are never truly alone because God will never leave us. Jesus is with us when we stand alone from the crowd and stand firm for Him.

At His most desperate time, Jesus invited His closest disciples to stay near Him and to pray with Him. And they let him down. As Jesus faced His journey to the cross, although He appeared to stand alone, He was never abandoned by His Father. At times, You too may feel abandoned. Although we work for unity, sometimes others simply refuse to stay at the table, to continue the difficult conversation, to support us in our time of need. But we are never truly alone because God will never leave us. Jesus is with us when we stand alone from the crowd and stand firm for Him.

As Jesus openly embraced us in our sinful state, we must also accept one another. As Christians who are part of the body of Christ, unity is vital. Unity is a hard word and a hard task, but as people who are set apart, we must have the same attitude as Jesus towards one another. We must live our lives the way Jesus wants us to live—in harmony, in unity, in love, in forgiveness. We are all sinners saved by grace. This common thread between us allows us to march as a united front, armed with the love, peace, hope, and grace that the world desperately needs.

As Jesus openly embraced us in our sinful state, we must also accept one another. As Christians who are part of the body of Christ, unity is vital. Unity is a hard word and a hard task, but as people who are set apart, we must have the same attitude as Jesus towards one another. We must live our lives the way Jesus wants us to live—in harmony, in unity, in love, in forgiveness. We are all sinners saved by grace. This common thread between us allows us to march as a united front, armed with the love, peace, hope, and grace that the world desperately needs.

When experiencing the storms of life, there is power in numbers. First and foremost, we need to cling to Jesus. But in rough seas, we also need the encouragement and support of other Christian believers. We all react differently in times of trouble, but the gifts and strengths of others help us get through these times. When we are anchored in Jesus and remain united with each other, we can make it through no matter how bad the storm gets.

When experiencing the storms of life, there is power in numbers. First and foremost, we need to cling to Jesus. But in rough seas, we also need the encouragement and support of other Christian believers. We all react differently in times of trouble, but the gifts and strengths of others help us get through these times. When we are anchored in Jesus and remain united with each other, we can make it through no matter how bad the storm gets.