Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. – Desmond Tutu

There is something about hope that makes me smile. Hope reminds me to stay focus on what is good in my life (faith, family, friends, nature, work, kindness of others). Hope reminds me to believe that things will get better. Hope reminds me to expect miracles. I believe that despite our challenges, disappointments, hurts and fears, keeping hope alive helps us get through the darkness. And having others to walk with one when our hope is limited or far from us is essential.

In scripture, I’m reminded of the darkness that Naomi endured experiencing the death of her husband and then her only sons. Ready to go back to her homeland, she asks her daughters-in-law to return to their families, but Ruth refuses to leave her. The friendship of these two women provided the light that Naomi needed and eventually received. Ruth went on to marry Boaz, had a son and this child once again filled Naomi with joy.

I also think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, an unwed mother carrying the news that she is with child; news that will definitely bring shame to her, her family and fiancée. But Mary not only finds refuge and hope in her God, but also in her cousin, Elizabeth. She seeks a friend who walks the journey with her as well.

May this song of hope written and sung by Natasha Bedingfield make you smile believing that “morning always comes as night surrenders to the sun.”  We are never alone if we keep our hope in the Savior whom we wait this advent season.

Have a blessed Advent Season!

Sandy Diaz