By Shelbey Younts, a junior elementary education/special education major from Twin Lake, Michigan
Scripture: Romans 15:4-13 (NRSV)
The world can be so discouraging. It seems as though headlines in the last decade (at least) are blaringly negative. It has a habit of stealing away our hope and our joy and replacing it with fear and anxiety. It is difficult to combat the negativity of the world on your own and sometimes can feel impossible. But in Romans 15:4-13, God encourages us to hold on to hope. God encourages us to become unified and to be full of joy and peace as we proclaim the name of Jesus.
Hope is something that everyone longs for, especially in the world we live in today. This time of year has always been just that, a time of hope, peace and joy for me. There is something about a fresh layer of untouched snow in the morning and a breath of cool, crisp air that floods your body with hope for a new day. Singing Christmas hymns about joy being spread to the world and a precious baby boy who is the king of the world remind us of the hope of this season. So, as we wait for the coming of the King, I encourage you to hold on to hope. Hold on to those small, quiet moments by yourself or the moments in the company of those you love. Hold on to the moments that give your soul a little dose of hope.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Savior. In this season of waiting and anticipation, help us to hold on to the moments of hope that you give us. Help us to notice the small miracles around us everyday as we wait. Amen.
Scripture: Romans 15:4-13 (NRSV)
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.
5May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”; 10and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”; 11and again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”; 12and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.”
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.