Hope? The dictionary tells us that hope is expectation with desire. Over the past few months many have felt that there doesn’t seem much hope around in the world, instead there is fear and anxiety. In contrast, many in and around the Kendal area have been filling Boxes of Hope - shoeboxes containing gifts for children in Romania who live in abject poverty and who possess virtually nothing. The boxes bring a ray of hope to the children - they are not forgotten and they will feel warmer (warm hats, socks, mitts), they can have some fun (toys) and enjoy their own toiletries. There will be many youngsters here in the coming weeks who hope that Santa will bring all they have asked for on Christmas Day. Others will be hoping that they will enjoy time with family and friends, and perhaps that the presents they give will be appreciated.

But many will not be hopeful about Christmas and are fearful and anxious there is not enough money to buy the longed for presents for their children and they cannot provide a Christmas dinner; others have a sense of dread of yet another Christmas alone or with family whose company they do not enjoy.

Each week until Christmas, a different Advent theme will be written about here. Hope is one of the themes which Christians reflect on during this season when we look forward with expectation to celebrating God becoming human two thousand years ago when Jesus was born. This hope is for everyone - you and me.

Mary Orr, Christians Together in Levens