Advent

Joy in the suffering

This year marks the 6th year that holidays at the Wood house have been, well, weird. Sadness hovers. Pain stains hope. Moments of peace are interrupted by reality. Seizures loom large over everything we do around here. Life continues to be quite sleepless, stressful, and heavy. So heavy.

That said, this season is meant to bring an injection of hope into a weary world. Hope for a weary people. Hope for a weary us. So, in spite of our mess of a world, we lean into hope today. We cling to the things we have to be thankful for…which is quite a lot. I hope you’ll count your blessings today as well.

I’m reminded of this C.S. Lewis quote: “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.”

My hope for you today is that the things of infinite importance bring you the same blessings they have brought us: Life. Family. Friends. Laughter in the midst of sorrow. Peace in the midst of chaos. Hope in the midst of pain.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn