This past weekend A LOT of people in our neighborhood decorated their houses for Christmas.
Many more than in the past...
And it reminded me of something...
Over the years I've
noticed there seems to be a relationship between how hopeful people are feeling and how many people decorate their homes for Christmas.
... The more feelings of hope, the more people that decorate...
So, based on my unscientific 'Christmas Decoration Index,' people must feel especially hopeful these
days.
Is this for real?
I can't say for sure...
There are so many variables that go into why or why not people put up Christmas decorations...
And my sample size was really small. Just my neighborhood.
BUT...
Something I do know for sure...
There is definitely good
reason to be full of hope right now...
This past weekend marked the beginning of what Christians have long called the "Advent Season."
The word "Advent" points to Christ's coming...
... Both His first
coming... and His second coming.
During His first coming, Christ entered the world as a baby... to fulfill His mission as the ultimate dominion man... and restore this world to the Father's design.
At His second coming, Christ will come to consummate His kingdom... and rule over the nations, having
made His enemies a footstool for His feet.
In the meantime... we labor on with the callings He has given us.
And we do so not in futility.
But in hope...
Because of the promise of His coming.