Hope

I'm sorry that I have been "away" for so long. I won't go into all the reasons or excuses. You know how life is - especially this time of year. I will say this, right now the blog world is full of Christmas decor. Everywhere I turn I see beautiful photos of stockings, trees and wreaths. Don't get me wrong, I usually love to decorate. I have boxes and boxes of decorations. But this year I guess I am having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit.....

....Until this past weekend when I had a great reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Many of you have likely had the privilege of watching your child perform in a Christmas Pageant. You know the excitement of seeing your child re-enact the Christmas story. Unless you are the parent of a child with "special needs." Then maybe your child has been left out. Or possibly worse, he or she has been included, only to stick out like a sore thumb. You are proud of your child but you know the hurt of them not fitting in.

Now imagine a stage filled with smiling children; all with differing abilities.

The angels are there.

And so are the shepherds and stable animals.

The wise men have brought gifts.

And of course Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus are present. And the bright star. And the innkeeper. And narrators.....

Yesterday, with tears streaming down my face, I witnessed the most beautiful portrayal of The Nativity that I have ever seen. "Labels" and "syndromes" were forgotten. Wheelchairs and walkers didn't matter. Perfection took on a new meaning as some of God's very special children shared His very precious story.

Fancy decorations don't matter. Neither do expensive toys and gifts. What does matter is this.....Over 2000 years ago a baby boy was born in a stable, bringing the gift of Hope to the world. Thanks to Hope Landing, that gift of Hope is being shared with children and parents who desperately need it.

{But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11}