Karen McCarver, Member of St. Luke’s for 16 years and Kids Hope Director for 11 years

Matthew 2:9-11 (NKJV)

9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope.” Acts 2:26

Reflection:
In the movie A Knight’s Tale, Geoffrey Chaucer and several other characters assist the hero, William, in writing a letter and ponder how to close it. The blacksmith suggests this, “Love should end with hope. Hope guides me. It is what gets me through the day and through the night.”  

Hope guides many characters in the Christmas story. Mary and Joseph were filled with hope as they awaited the birth of Jesus. One can imagine the angels peering down from heaven and waiting with bated breath. Matthew tells us the wise men were overjoyed when they saw the star and followed it—guided by the hope of finding this King of Kings and Lord of Lords who was prophesied of old. Surely God’s praises were on their lips as they made their way to the newborn King!

 Hope continues to guide us today. As we lean into this season of Advent, we remember the hope Christ brings to us all.  

Prayer:
Dearest Lord, let us rest in hope as we await the celebration of your birth. Thank you for this season of happy expectation. For Christmas carols and hymns that gladden our hearts, and for your overwhelming, never-ending love. May hope be our guide now and always! Amen.