To you O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long. Psalm 25:1-5
Christmas can be a dark and depressing time for many. Christmas can bring hope to some and despair to others who become aware once again of the places in their lives that are painful. Broken families, lost loved ones, depression, and lost dreams come to the forefront during a time when it seems everyone is celebrating. We are reminded that God can hold both our hope and our despair this Advent season.
Action: Reach out to someone you know that may be struggling with depression this Advent.
Prayer: Dear God, help me to look for those who are in need of your comfort, in their advent of depression, guilt, or illness. Likewise, send others to me to bring hope and comfort in days when I am in need. Thank you that I am not alone. Amen.