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People who know me well would know that I have a minor in uni in Religion, so I do give quite a bit of thought to faith and things that make up faith for other people. The Christmas season seems a appropriate time to consider how, a little baby, born in a manger- the most humble of circumstances could be relevant in our world. What could this story,from so long ago, possibly provide us in a world of busy-ness, iThings and our struggle to not just survive, but be more than we are? The short answer, I think, centres around Hope. People 2000+ years ago were looking for hope. Hope that someone or something could make a significant difference in their lives. There is nothing different today. If you are a parent, you know how you felt the first time you saw your new baby. He or she was full of promise, brimming with all the hope and promise of a life yet to be lived. There is something marvellous about not knowing what this child will do...but knowing that he or she will change your life forever. Even though we know the story of the baby in the manger, His parents would have felt the same thing. The world as we know it could definitely use some hope. All of the brokenness that exists cannot be fixed or solved by determination alone. If we could have fixed everything by determination, we might have done alright by now. Still- people get sick, loved ones have struggles, families are broken and lives are shattered. What is it that keeps us all moving forward then? Hope. Hope that what we do can make a difference. Hope that wellness can be restored to the ill. Hope that there is opportunity around the corner. Hope that shattered lives can be made whole again. This is the hope, the promise of whole ness, of wellness and of reconciliation of something broken. 2012 has been a challenging year for many people, including myself. But at this time of year, it is worth considering hope and promise. Maybe the birth of a child in humble circumstances has changed something for all of us? Maybe it's worth thinking about. Even if you are not particularly religious, there is something about the hope and promise of new life, in the midst of brokenness, that moves us all forward. I wish you, wherever you are, new life and brilliant hope and promise during this season and every day of the year.