A season of Hope
Shortly after moving here on November 20th, 2014, my wife was involved in a roll-over accident due to black ice. The car flipping end over end rested up against the railroad track in Garwood...my wife unable to move had broken her neck. We would forever view the holiday season in a different light, thankful God had spared her life and the lives of my daughter, who was driving along with 4 of our grandkids. My wife clamped in a neck brace would come home for Christmas as we awaited her spinal fusion surgery right after New Years. I remember cutting a tree for her, a little spindly thing from our ranch and putting a little string of lights on the tree. My wife was elated, our first Christmas tree in Idaho...no decorations JUST LIGHTS....The lights were the most important part because of what they represented....HOPE! When times are dark, a little light goes a long way! The lights we place on our tree this time of year continue to represent hope as my wife continues to battle chronic pain! My wife and I continue to pray that our community of Sandpoint will become known as a beacon of light, a beacon of hope for the rest of our country! It all begins with one person at a time who shares a little extra love during this holiday season...It can happen, in fact it already has.
Some 2000 years ago ONE man changed the course of history forever...His love and His light were so great...In fact, He was called the light of the world! John 1:6-14. There came a man sent from God, whose name was John the Baptist. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light whose name was Jesus, so that all might believe in God through him. John the Baptist was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light (Jesus). There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. For those who trust in Jesus as their personal savior, His light gives the recipient hope and assurance of eternal life. There is no greater gift or greater hope than this. In a season of busy, I pray you will take time for Jesus. He is the true reason for Christmas. Jesus set the standard for love, hope and light. One person who changed the world forever. This season may you share a little of Jesus’ love, hope and light with others, one person at a time.
Dr. Steve Brown is pastor at North Summit Church in Sandpoint.