Emphasis Preaching Journal

Fran always expected her estranged son to come home for the holidays. She would wake up before dawn on Christmas Day to start preparing the meal. However, by evening it was obvious that her son was not coming. Every year, Fran hoped that her son would return. She hoped that he would come through the door unannounced and each year she was disappointed. A friend asked her why she put herself through this year after year only to be disappointed. Fran surprised herself with her reply; she hoped he would come home. It was that sense of expectant hope that kept her going.