To have HOPE is to want an outcome that makes our life or someone else’s better in some way.
Psychologist Shane J. Lopez described HOPE as “the belief that the future will be better than the present, along with the belief that you have the power to make it so.” In some sense, hoping for something is a reminder that we are in control and can help decide what we will do to make our hopes a reality.
HOPE can help make a tough situation more bearable, and can also eventually improve our lives because envisioning a better future motivates us to take the steps to make it happen. Sometimes when we have disappointments, HOPE is what carries us through. We can hold HOPE for others when they have forgotten how to carry it themselves.
Today’s Wellness Wednesday explores hope and what it means to each of us.
Try this:
As a class, family, or group:
- Watch this encouraging video about hope: https://youtu.be/dlcU5uHMdTM (3:14)
- After, ask everyone to consider the question: “what is your hope?”.
- Invite people to share some thoughts.
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
What does it mean to have hope?
How can we demonstrate hope in our lives?
Who are people in our lives or history that have demonstrated hope?
Connecting to our faith:
Let us pray: Eternal God, strengthen our hearts to wait patiently for the gift of your presence in our lives. May your Holy Spirit help us wait in joyful hope for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Advent Candle of Hope
The first week of Advent, we light the purple candle of Hope. This candle reminds us of the hope that we have in the coming of our Lord. We can rest assured that God will fulfill the prophecies declared about Jesus.
“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts.” (Psalm 85:8)
“…and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
“Be patient, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:7-8)
Further Learning:
- Article: Teaching Our Children the Value of Hope https://youaremom.com/parenting/value-of-hope/
- Free Printable: Children’s Advent Wreath craft www.looktohimandberadiant.com/2014/11/kids-advent-wreath-free-printables.html
- Advent Preparation: 76 Ideas with Children to Get Ready for Advent http://sacraparental.com/2014/10/26/advent-with-kids-76-ideas-for-getting-ready-for-advent/
- Article: The Reason for Hope www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/the-reason-for-hope/
- Children’s Book: “I Hope You Dance” by Mark D. Sanders
- Children’s Book: “Tree of Hope” by Amy LittleSugar
- Book: “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories of Hope” by Jack Canfield
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