Thriving Through the Holidays: 5 Days of Hope for the Military Wife This ChristmasSample

Embracing our Extravagant Hope

A couple of years ago, our family struggled to find hope. Hope seems like it should be a simple expectation of God's promises and faithfulness, but in that moment, it felt unattainable. Right before Thanksgiving, we found out my husband would deploy a week after Christmas. I attempted to muster up enough energy to force a fake smile and recount all the wonderful blessings I was exceedingly thankful for. In reality, I felt like someone sucker-punched me in the gut.

We walked through our usual family traditions as best we could, all while an ever-growing pile of Army gear mounted in the corner of our living room. No matter how much we tried, this did not feel like Christmas. We decorated our Christmas tree, hosted family from out of town, and baked Christmas cookies, all while listening to holiday classics. I desperately wanted to make the most of every moment with my husband, but my emotions were consistently overtaken by breathtaking sadness and frustration.

As I read the Christmas story one evening, I wondered how Mary must have felt when she first learned she would carry the world's Savior in her womb.

Scared?

Overwhelmed?

Perhaps she was lonely as she felt the weight of stares from people who did not understand the supernatural miracle forming inside her body. Yet, despite that, she worshipped the Lord. He was weaving together the perfect story of hope and redemption, and she became part of the unfolding.

Sweet military wife, Mary understood something I pray we grasp this Christmas season. Just because something is difficult does not mean hope is lost. Mary's first Christmas was painful, but her sweet baby boy perfectly embodied the assurance of greater things to come.

The Messiah was born, and each and every one of us who call on His name will be saved. Jesus brought the hope of salvation into a broken and lost world. He is the fulfillment of God's promises and the manifestation of His faithfulness.

Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, hold tightly to Jesus. Invite Him into your moments of pain, as well as those of rejoicing. Allow Him to whisper words of truth to your spirit and comfort your tired heart. He is our enduring, extravagant hope.

May you treasure this truth about who Jesus is and think about it often throughout the holiday season.

Merry Christmas, military wife.

Love, Homefront Heroes Ministries