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{"id":10425,"date":"2014-12-20T04:40:41","date_gmt":"2014-12-20T12:40:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.strategicmonk.com\/?p=10425"},"modified":"2014-12-20T04:40:41","modified_gmt":"2014-12-20T12:40:41","slug":"advent-is-about-hope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/strategicmonk\/2014\/12\/20\/advent-is-about-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"Advent is About Hope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

$\"3525799414_5fb003d0e6\"$ <\/a><\/p>\n

Advent is a gift to us when\u00a0hope is in short supply.<\/p>\n

Each year as\u00a0the nights grow darker and colder, we receive the gift of a new Advent. We can see\u00a0light shining in the darkness which the darkness cannot overcome.\u00a0Advent reminds us\u00a0that even the darkest night is followed by the hope\u00a0of a new dawn.<\/p>\n

When we are frustrated and tired, staggering with heavy burdens, Advent is about hope.<\/p>\n

Advent is a liturgical season which teaches us lessons\u00a0about patience and persistence. Advent shows us how to be open to receiving light in dark times. Advent inspires us to recognize and\u00a0celebrate new life, even when we disappoint ourselves.<\/p>\n

Advent is hope when we have been waiting for longer than we can remember. Advent is hope when we are not sure we believe in what we hope for any more. Advent is hope when we do not think we will meet our own goals\u00a0for the year. Advent is hope when we are not sure we can continue hoping.<\/p>\n

Advent shows us that, even in the darkness of the longest night, light still shines\u00a0for us.<\/p>\n

Advent reminds us that in our\u00a0pain and struggle, darkness and cold, there is new birth.<\/p>\n

This is the challenge of Advent in these last few days, this final weekend.<\/p>\n

Advent is about hope when we feel beyond hope. It is the hope that comes when we stop trying to convince ourselves we are doing well. We take a deep breath, close our eyes, and remember our hope.<\/p>\n

Advent reminds us that it is always darkest just before the dawn. Advent helps us remember our\u00a0hope in the darkness before the dawn.<\/p>\n

What inspires your hope this week?<\/p>\n

Where do you find\u00a0hope in this Advent?<\/p>\n

[Image by\u00a0DieselDemon<\/a><\/strong>]<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"