Advent Snowglobes (Day 20)

Three years ago Mom and Dad gave the whole family an amazing gift: All twelve of us, including the six grandsons, went to Disney. By the end of it many of the adults were ready to kill each other, but the boys had a great time- they still talk about it all the time. Family is a gift, although they are at times difficult, frustrating, even maddening. The Church ought to be a family too; for many it's the most healthy and supportive family they have. "But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet 'in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay; but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.’ But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved" (Hebrews 10:32-39). During this last week of Advent, draw deep from the wells of your faith. Know that you are not alone- you are part of a family. Be a partner with those who are hurting. And do not abandon your hope.