I find that all throughout the advent season my heart and mind are tugged in two directions. Part of me recognizes the darker days, the colder nights, the natural world inviting me to pause and sit with the darkness. What is an advent season without the reality of that darkness and a longing for His light? I want to slow down, reflect, allow my heart to ache from all the weariness of this world so that when Christmas comes, I can truly rejoice at such profound good news.
The other part of me sees the tasks and the fun and the sparkle and the cultural expectations all around me, and I want to be ALL IN. Right now. I don’t want to miss one merry moment! I feel the pressure to make cherished memories with my kids, those traditions they’ll tell their kids about someday. I hold high expectations of myself and my Type-A personality is prepped and ready to execute “Operation:Christmas Magic” like Kevin about to face Harry and Marv. (Any other Home Alone lovers?).
And here’s the thing, I probably could do it. I could spend myself silly trying to check off every shiny Christmas bucket list item – but to what end? The work of this mom trying to make advent meaningful for her family has two options. I can stress myself out trying to meet every single possible Christmas-themed expectation, or I can just pick a couple things that serve our family and bring us closer to our goal of Christmas – recognition that the Savior has come.
Similarly, the work of a non-profit organization could go two ways. We could attempt to involve ourselves with every expectation in the “child welfare” work arena, or we could pause, reflect, and focus on several key things that we recognize bring us closer to the goal: bringing hope to vulnerable children and their families.
As we reflect up on the work of Family Hope Coalition in 2024, and consider where we focus our efforts for 2025 and beyond, we want to be an organization that equips the Church to step into the work of caring for vulnerable children, encourages those families currently involved, and provides education and tools needed for endurance in this difficult work.
In the advent season, we pause. We consider the hurting world, the weight of the needs of so many kids. This reality would leave us weary if not for the hope of a Savior. Only because of the hope we find in Him, can we joyfully enter into the work of foster care and adoption.
I love these lyrics from “Oh Holy Night”. Consider them afresh with me in light of our call to vulnerable children. As we prepare to enter 2025, may the work of Family Hope Coalition, all that is within us, praise His holy name.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
….
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name, All oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord
Oh praise His name forever
His power and glory
Evermore, evermore proclaim!