One of the most precious gifts we possess is the ability to give encouragement and hope to those living in desperation and despair.

We all need hope.

Without it, we would waste away and perish.

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The well-known passages in the Bible that are read at Christmas are some of my favorite because they inspire hope.

The book of Isaiah reads: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah‬ 9‬:2, 6‬).

Although this passage is a prophecy of Christ’s birth, when I read it, it reminds me of what it was like to live in the despair of darkness — and the indescribable joy and hope I’ve found in Jesus.

Living without Jesus is truly a “land of deep darkness.”

I never want to live there again.

Knowing Jesus has given my soul hope; He is the source of every good part of my life.

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I am humbled to be loved by Him.

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When we live in the hope of knowing we are completely loved by the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace,” we want to give this marvelous hope to others.

It’s too good not to share.

There is no greater gift we can give than to lead people to discover everlasting hope in the marvelous grace of the Prince of Peace.