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.

Mary Magdalene may have had a mind possessed at one time by seven demons, but she also had a good memory. She never forgot the healing and compassion she received from Jesus. She showed her thankfulness to him by serving him throughout his ministry even to the cross and grave. He rewarded her gratitude with the even greater blessing of seeing him as the risen savior.

Thankful hearts come from minds that remember the blessings of the past received through others. “Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live!”  Deut 4:9

Pastor Andy

Deborah had reached the highest office her people, the Jews, had to offer her. She was a judge of Israel who led in matters of law and war. When her people faced the attack of a Canaanite ruler, Deborah agreed to lead them but gave the ultimate credit to the Lord, “14…, “Get ready! This is the day the Lord will give you victory over Sisera, for the Lord is marching ahead of you.” Judges 4:14 When the battle was one she honored God alone, “Praise the Lord.”

Anna, a prophetess of God serving in the temple, had spent much of her 84 years of life praying for and patiently waiting for God to send a savior to his people. When Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus into the temple “She began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Jesus had been “worth waiting for” and she had been blessed to see him.

Some of the greatest blessings in our lives may come near the end. Let us be thankful in anticipation of future blessings and in receiving them when they arrive.

Pastor Andy

Over three thousand years ago a woman named Hannah knew the pain of being unable to bear a child. Not only did she suffer personally but she was ridiculed for her barrenness. Then God chose to give her a child. She dedicated the child Samuel to the priesthood. He would be the one to anoint Saul and David as the first Kings of her people. She lifted up her voice in a song of thanksgiving that Mary, the mother of Jesus would later echo, “My heart rejoices in the Lord; the Lord has made me strong.” 1 Samuel 2:1

Would Hannah have given thanks if she never had a child? Let us seek to give thanks no matter what occurs in our lives.

Pastor Andy