As we approach the end of the year we look forward to another year, what will it bring? There are so many “bad” news stories in the media, it is tempting to say – “it can’t be worse than this year.”
Hope, however gives us something to look forward to.
“I hope for a white Christmas.”
“I hope for more time with my granddaughter.”
“I hope for peace on earth.”
These are all desires, all dreams of good times. The word HOPE is used as mnemonic in palliative care, which seems perhaps odd, but it is a tool to help those facing the end of life have some hope.
H Hope – What gives patient hope, strength, and comfort?
O Organised religion -What relationship does the patient have with organised religion?
P Personal spirituality -If the patient does not follow any organised religion, do they have any personal spirituality?
E Effect on medical care -How do their religious or spiritual beliefs affect their medical care and decisions about end-of -life care?
Christians, at Advent look forward to the coming of Jesus with hope, for a better future especially when our time on this earth comes to an end, for the end to warfare and conflict, for an end to suffering, and for a life eternal.
We can all look forward with hope. Even in our darkest moments, there is hope.
Prayer: Loving Father, thank you that we can hold onto hope even when times are tough, and we may feel hope is all we have. Help us to live in the hope that you offer us through your Son Jesus Christ. Amen