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Published: Dec. 28, 2011, 3:47 a.m.

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\\xa0(Luke 2:8-14)\\xa0 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.\\xa0 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.\\xa0 But the angel said to them, \\u201cDo not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.\\xa0 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.\\xa0 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.\\u201d\\xa0 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, \\u201cGlory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.\\u201d

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Title of message is:\\xa0 The Birth of Hope.

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What can you hold onto during the days of darkness?

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(Job 17:13)\\xa0 \\u201cWhere then is my hope?\\xa0 Who can see any hope for me?\\u201d

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(1 Timothy 6:17)\\xa0 \\u201cCommand those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.\\u201d

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(Romans 15:13) (GWT)\\xa0 \\u201cMay God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you\\u2019ll overflow with hope\\u2026\\u201d

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Where does this hope come from?\\xa0

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Hope comes from:

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1. His Presence.

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(Psalm 62:5)\\xa0 \\u201cFind rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.\\u201d

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(Isaiah 40:31)\\xa0 \\u201c\\u2026those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.\\xa0 They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.\\u201d

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2.\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 His process.

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(Romans 5:2-4)\\xa0 \\u201cAnd we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.\\xa0 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.\\u201d

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(Romans 8:28)\\xa0 \\u201cAnd we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.\\u201d

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3.\\xa0 His purpose.

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(Jeremiah 29:11)\\xa0 \\u201cFor I know the plans I have for you,\\u201d declares the LORD, \\u201cplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.\\u201d

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4.\\xa0 His place.

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(John 14:1-2)\\xa0 \\u201cDo not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.\\xa0 In my Father\'s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.\\u201d

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Is what I\\u2019m worrying about going to matter in 50 years?\\xa0

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(1 Peter 1:4-6) (LB)\\xa0 \\u201cGod has reserved for His children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you\\u2026And God, in His mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting Him\\u2026So be truly glad!\\xa0 There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.\\u201d

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