And maybe you're coming off the holidays and you're kind of a doom-and-gloom position right now.

• Maybe you had a fight husband and you just tried to make it through but it didn't work.
• The kids were all riled up. In fact, they didn't want to be around you.
• Maybe you had some grown kids who didn't show up on your doorstep.
• Maybe you're in the middle of a medical crisis and you don't know if this is going to be your last holiday season.

Sometimes you just don't feel like there's much there. But I'm here to tell you my friends, there's hope in the darkness

The K.I.S.S. ~ Hope in the darkness!

As we move from the season of gratitude into the Advent season, the day is shortened and the darkness descends. There's this a glimmer of hope that shines brightly through the shadows, the promise of a Savior foretold centuries before his birth.

In Isaiah 9:6-7, we read, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." These words speak of a hope beyond all comprehension – a hope that transcends the trials and tribulations of this world.

In the darkness of uncertainty, fear, and despair, the promise of the Messiah brings reassurance and comfort. The Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace – these titles evoke a sense of security and serenity, beckoning us to trust in the One who brings hope to a world in turmoil.

As we journey through the Advent season, let us reflect on the profound significance of this prophecy. Let us ponder the immense love and grace that led to the fulfillment of this promise in the birth of Jesus Christ. In Him, we find hope that defies all logic and reason, a hope that sustains us through the darkest of times.

May we cling to this hope as we navigate the trials and uncertainties of life. May we find solace in the knowledge that we are not alone, that a Savior has come to bring light to our darkness. And may we share this hope with others, spreading the message of salvation and redemption to a world in need.

In the words of Isaiah 9:6-7, let us hold fast to the promise of hope: "The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Let us trust in the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises and bring light to the darkest of places.

As we await the celebration of the birth of our Savior, let us embrace the hope that He brings and shine His light into a world in desperate need of His love and grace. Hope is not lost in the darkness – it is found in the promise of Christ, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

"Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!"