Is hope important to you? Why?

Hope is very important to me. If I didn't have hope I wouldn't have anything. Romans 8:23-25 says: "Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."

My hope in Jesus Christ carries me through tough times and keeps me focused on eternity and the One who gave me eternal life. Also, hope is a gift that goes along with grace. It's given by God for me to and I wait with anticipation - with hope - on Him.

What is Hope?

Hope. My friend Webster has lots of definitions of Hope.

As a noun hope is:

1. A specific instance of feeling hopeful - I have felt hopeful many times. It's what keeps me going. I know that hope.

2. The general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled - I've had hopes of getting pregnant, hope that I would get a position I wanted, hopeful that God would answer a prayer the way I wanted. I know that hope.

3. Grounds for feeling hopeful about the future - Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

4. Someone (or something) on which expectations are centered - My hope is set on Jesus Christ.

5. United States comedian (born in England) who appeared in films with Bing Crosby (born in 1903). - I'm sure that since God has a sense of humor He has him preforming for all the veterans up there. :)

6. One of the three Christian virtues. - This is based on 1 Corinthians 13. Faith, hope and love. Faith in Jesus, hope in Jesus and love for Jesus. Does it get any better than that?

As a verb hope is:

1. Expect with desire - I am so looking forward to Christ's return. I long for Heaven, no more illness, a new body, worshipping my Savior for eternity...

2. Be optimistic; be full of hope; have hopes - My hope is positive. I see it from an optimistic point of view and I know that having hopes and desires in line with God's will is a good thing.

3. Intend with some possibility of fulfilment - John 14:1-4 quotes Jesus: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." I believe that without a doubt.

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What do you hope for this Christmas?

My hope for this Christmas is simple. I only hope for two things.

1. That Jesus be the focus of our season.
2. That my grandmother's Alzheimer's is still moderate (gone would be nice) so that we have Christmas Eve at her house just like always.

Let me hear of your unfailing love
to me in the morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I have come to you in prayer.
Save me from my enemies, LORD;
I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing.
Psalm 143:8-10 NLT