The Journey

Into the Depths of Hope

Monday Dec 3^rd

It began with an Advent Reading—something I’m sure I had heard before. But never had these words struck such a chord in me.

A people dwelling in deep darkness—something sunk in me- hopelessness—to the depths of despair.

But wait something to grasp- a ray of hope—maybe only a shimmer, but hope nonetheless.

A quick email later, the workday began and the thought shifted to the back burner.

Friday Dec 7^th

Knock knock—Remember Me—I’m still here—Come on—Wake up and look around—what do you see?

Light- Word- Life-

Driving 110K down the Belgian highway, I scramble for my camera. Fumble to remember the setting to hold the shutter open and begin “playing.” Soon I am laughing with delight, and Witte is thinking I’ve gone crazy. They’re just street lamps—what’s so great about that?

On them has light shone— 

The words come bolting back into my mind. Hope, but this time it’s not just a shimmer. This time it is dancing around us. Bringing delight and joy.

Saturday Dec 8^th

Christmas is in the air—Sight smells and sounds of laughter, community, and all manner of good things.  Lights are twinkling.

In contrast to the joy around, the dark silhouette of the “dead” trees stand starkly.

Sunday Dec 9^th

Voices lift in various tongues and accents in praise to the One who grants us hope and joy. Here in this most unlikely of places, people are gathering to make His name known.

Another tree—this one holds life—has been brushed with hope even into the depths of winter. 

Tuesday Dec 11^th

The blank canvas is before me and all these things are swirling around in my head and heart and then I hear it—His voice. Soft and subtle.

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone.

The people of Belgium that I had met, those I had heard stories of, and those I had not met, but had seen on the streets flitted before me eyes. Could He invite them into the depths of hope through this piece?

Yes, I know this to be true. Why else would He speak these words into my hands, heart, and mind’s eye?

Hope- glorious hope—Will you live daily in the depths of His hope? I am.