“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God!” Psalm 43:5

He looked as though the street had been his home far too long. With his head looking down where his meager survival seemed to come from, he made his way across the walk.

She was older and in somewhat the same situation. The difference was in the way that she walked with head up, and an overcomer’s confidence in her steps.

The two of them stopped and talked for a little while. He never looked up, but then, she was shorter in statue; yet a good bit taller in spirit. Suddenly I watched her hand going toward his face. I couldn’t help but watch and wonder what he said to invoke such a move.

It was a sight that I will never forget. If more of us had her courage, perhaps the world would be better. She took her hand and lifted his chin toward Heaven. I could almost hear what I think that she was saying, “You keep your head up.”

Advent is a time to lift our head, to look up: That is where home is; and where our help comes from. James wrote that every good and perfect gift comes from above. We know that it is true; the Christmas Hymn says it well:

“Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.”