As a child, I loved looking through the different magazines and catalogs that would come to the house. Our family would get the Sears catalog, the KMart Christmas guide, and the Walmart Christmas guide. It was such a joy to turn the pages and circle all the things I hoped Santa would bring on Christmas morning.
I hoped that Santa would come through with a Nintendo 64. I knew I would get those Power Rangers toys because I circled them the biggest! And when they wouldn’t be under the tree, my hopes were crushed.
Lately, our mailbox at the house has been full of Christmas guides. Target, LEGO, Amazon, and even one for Rosie called the Foggy Dog.
Every time one of these guides shows up at the house, A.T. and Edie swarm to them. They will get their pens out and start circling so many things they want from each place. There have been times when almost everything has been circled (you can Venmo us!)
I think if we are honest with ourselves, this is a difficult Advent season, especially around the idea of hope. I know I had “circled” hopes and dreams that feel so far away now.
Hope in a world that cares about all people. Hope in a world that cares about women. Hope in a world where my girls can see a female leading from the highest office. Hope in a world where my LGBTQ+ friends and community don’t have to worry about their marriages or well-being in the years to come. Hope in stability when the only constant seems to be change.
Our Scripture this week encourages us to “be alert at all times” to find hope around us. And so that is what I am choosing to do this Advent season. I am looking for hope in the moments and people around me. In the beauty of sunsets and Christmas decorations. In the laughs and joy of my children. Hope in community theater that centers queer and marginalized voices to tell amazing stories. In the hope of a God who is present always, in every season, calling us to the work of justice and love.
Prayer: God, in these days when hope seems far away, remind us that you are still with us. Help us to spread hope by showing up for one another, loving one another, and working together for justice. Amen.
Justin Sizemore serves as the Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults here at Highland. He is spouse to Abby and parent to A.T. and Edie. In his spare time, you will find him cheering on University of Kentucky sports, building LEGOS, playing video games, cooking good food to share, and spending time with his family.