His Coming. Christmas Devotional. Blessed are those who see hope.

Wonder if Mary wept when all she had to wrap her new baby in were rags or if Joseph apologized to Mary–to God…I’m sorry, there are no rooms. This is the best we have for right now.

This humble beginning, it was all God’s plan. This gentle arrival–it was never meant to be in a palace. And honestly maybe Mary did cry some tears and Joseph said I’m sorry a few times. But more than anything they kept seeing hope. And hope laid in a manager full of straw wrapped in swaddling clothes.

For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. Psalm 38:15

And there was Simeon waiting on death–waiting on hope. He saw the child come into the temple with his parents–the child Jesus and Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God for his eyes saw his own salvation–his hope.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death: before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:26-32

And she came running, an instant the scripture says to see the Christ child. Immediate. Rapid. Quick. In a moment. This elderly widow woman, a prophetess who spent her days at the temple fasting and praying–day and night. Anna, she wasted no time giving thanks to the Lord just as Simeon did and she took her hope out into the streets of Jerusalem and shared the good news of forgiveness and redemption.

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38.

Thank you to photographer, Jill Miller Woodie for the use of this photo

She tried but there was no stopping the flooding of the heart for this mama. She signed her name and said, ‘I am so grateful you all are here. This is the first time I have had to do this. It’s been hard this year.’

And I watched as the ministry volunteer who was completing her paperwork reach right through the office window opening and wrap her arms around this mama’s neck. And they cried hope together.

How can we be a gift this Christmas

Practice kindness in everything..everywhere

Consider giving to Wilkes Hope Ministry

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. Romans 15:13

All scripture referenced is from the KJV Bible.