Today is our last day focusing on Hope this week using “Miracle on 34th Street” as a modern day parable in having our hope fulfilled. 

Day 5: The Fulfillment of Hope

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The resolution of Miracle on 34th Street is a beautiful picture of fulfilled hope. The characters, especially Susan, experience the joy and wonder of seeing their faith rewarded. The seemingly impossible becomes reality, and their lives are forever changed, as they walk through their new house and see Santa’s cane next to the fireplace in the corner.

In the same way, the birth of Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of hope. The long-awaited Messiah came to redeem humanity, bringing peace, joy, and salvation. This is the heart of Advent: celebrating the arrival of the One who fulfills every promise and gives us eternal hope. Just Keep your eyes on Jesus this season and see how the hope he brings will change your world and help you change the world!  Jesus, You are the fulfillment of our hope. Thank You for coming to save us and for giving us a reason to rejoice. As we celebrate Your birth this Advent season, help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. In your name we pray, Amen.

We continue our devotions using “Miracle on 34th Street” as a modern-day parable to help us understand this first week Advent and its focus on Hope, especially in the face of doubt.  

Day 4: Hope in the Face of Doubt

Scripture: Mark 9:24 – “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Susan, the little girl in Miracle on 34th Street, begins the story doubting Kris Kringle. She’s been taught to reject anything fantastical. Yet, as she watches him embody kindness and generosity, her doubt gives way to belief. By the end of the story, her faith in him is unwavering, even taking a stand for Kris in the courtroom! 

In our faith journey, we often wrestle with doubt.  Like Susan, we may struggle to trust what we cannot fully understand. Yet Jesus invites us to bring our doubts to Him and let Him show us the truth. As the father prayed in Mark, we should come to Jesus and say the same prayer, help us overcome our unbelief.  Advent reminds us that our hope is secure in Christ, even when our faith wavers.

Lord, we believe in You, but we confess that doubt sometimes creeps in. This Advent season helps us overcome our unbelief. Strengthen our faith and remind us that our hope in You is never misplaced. In Jesus name, Amen.

Here is today’s devotional, I pray that you have been able to focus on Hope this first week of Advent.  Today we continue to look at “Miracle on 34th Street”, with the idea of hope for community.  

Day 3: Hope Restored in Community

Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Who can you come together with, and carry burdens with this season, and share the Hope of Jesus with?  

Jesus, thankyou for the gift of community. Help us to share Your hope with those around us, encouraging and supporting one another. This Advent, use us to be beacons of hope in our families, churches, and communities. In your name we pray, Amen.

We continue to look at the Classic Christmas Movie “Miracle on 34th Street” as a modern day parable to help us grow in our understanding of the hope we have. We deal with the problem that seems to invade all our lives skepticism.

Hope That Defies Skepticism

Yet, as Doris observes Kris Kringle’s impact, her heart begins to soften, and she rediscovers a hope she thought was lost. As we look to Jesus, and the incarnation, Immanuel- God with us, and the life that He will live, it should begin to awaken hope in us. The Christmas story reminds us that hope often defies logic. A virgin giving birth? A Savior born in a stable? God becoming man? These truths challenge our understanding but invite us to believe in something greater. Advent is a time to put aside skepticism and embrace the miraculous. Heavenly Father, help us to trust You even when we don’t fully understand. Teach us to see Your hand at work and to place our hope in Your promises. This Advent, soften our hearts and renew our faith in the miraculous. In Jesus Name, Amen.

As we are in the start of the Advent season, I will be focusing this week’s devotion on the theme of Hope, but with a twist. We are doing a new series at Proclaim called “Christmas at the Movies”. Where we are using different movies each week of Advent as modern day parables (Jesus taught us in parables) using earthly stories to explain spiritual principles. This week we focused on the “Miracle on 34th Street” , and we will see how the theme of Hope is woven throughout this Christmas classic and reminds us of the great  Hope Christ offers us this season.

Scripture: Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

In Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle embodies hope in a cynical world. From the start, his joy, kindness, and belief in the impossible brings light to those around him. For many, their hope is restored simply by being in his presence.

Advent reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate source of hope. He came into a world marked by sin and despair to bring joy, peace, and salvation. Trusting in Him allows our hearts to overflow with hope, no matter the circumstances. Spend some time today in the presence of Jesus. Take 5 minutes to slow down and pause and just focus on Him, and see how Hope is restored unto you. Let’s pray together  Lord, You are the God of hope. Fill our hearts with Your peace and joy this Advent season. Help us to trust in You, even when life feels uncertain. May Your hope overflow in our lives and bless those around us. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a way of life. God’s will for us is to live with hearts continually turned toward Him, giving thanks in every circumstance. Gratitude isn’t reserved for the extraordinary; it’s found in the everyday moments where His presence is near.

As this Thanksgiving season comes to a close, let it mark the beginning of a daily practice of gratitude. Start each day by thanking God for His new mercies, and end it by recalling His faithfulness. A life of thanksgiving doesn’t just honor God—it transforms us, making us more aware of His presence and more attuned to His will.

Not every season feels like a harvest. Sometimes, thanksgiving is an act of faith—choosing to trust in God’s promises even when they’re not yet fulfilled. Gratitude in the waiting acknowledges that His timing is perfect and His plans are good, even when we can’t see the full picture.

If you’re in a season of waiting, bring your cares to God in prayer. Thank Him for what He’s already done and trust Him for what’s yet to come. Gratitude rooted in faith reminds us that the same God who provided before will provide again, in His perfect way.

Thanksgiving often brings us together with family and friends, but it’s more than a festive gathering. It’s an opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness within the community He’s placed us. Gratitude is multiplied when shared—it has a way of turning meals into feasts and conversations into sacred moments.

As you gather with loved ones, take time to share stories of God’s faithfulness. Celebrate victories, offer support in struggles, and remind one another of the hope we have in Christ. Gratitude, when shared, becomes a beautiful chorus of thanksgiving to the Lord.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of community. Bless my time with loved ones and guide my words to encourage and uplift. Help us to celebrate Your goodness together and to build one another up in faith. Amen.

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a call to action. When we acknowledge God’s blessings, we’re compelled to share that goodness with others. Acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply lending a listening ear can become tangible expressions of thanksgiving.

This week, find one way to put your gratitude into action. Perhaps it’s preparing a meal for a neighbor, writing a thank-you note, or offering forgiveness. Each act becomes an offering of thanks to God, who has so generously poured His love into our lives.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” —Psalm 107:1

Gratitude is more than a response to good fortune—it’s a gift that reorients our hearts toward God. In moments of abundance, it’s easy to say “thank you,” but true gratitude shines brightest when life’s path is uncertain or challenging. Thanksgiving invites us to pause and reflect on God’s goodness, even in seasons of trial. It reminds us that His love endures, unshaken by our circumstances.

As you enter this season of thanksgiving, take a moment to quiet your soul. Make a list of God’s blessings, both big and small, and thank Him for each one. Gratitude has a way of shifting our focus from what’s lacking to what’s already been given.