There is an old story about a young country boy who wanted more than anything to see the circus. So when the circus came to a nearby town, the boy's father gave him some money for a ticket. The boy rushed out early the next morning to see his first circus. He was so excited, so thrilled and anxious!  But at midday the boy returned home, and he had not spent a penny. His father asked, "What happened? Didn't you go to the circus?" "Oh yes sir," said the boy. "The circus came right down the main street, and I got to see it all; and it didn't cost me a thing. Nobody ever took my money." The father threw up his hands and exclaimed, "Oh, no! You didn't see the circus at all! You just saw the parade! You only got a glimpse of it! You missed the main event!"

Friend of Dial Hope, the same thing can happen to us at Christmas. We can miss the main event. We can miss the celebration. This is why the scriptures are so important to us. The Bible reminds us of what it is all about. The Bible, when studied seriously, lifts us above the crowd, beyond the parade, and takes us to the main event, the Christ event-the depth, the graciousness, and the wonder of God's seeking love.

Let us pray: Loving God, this world is not enough. Without you, we are not complete. Thank you for seeking us out by sending to us your gift of grace in the birth of your only Son, Jesus, the Savior. Help us to celebrate the main event to this Advent and Christmas season by sharing your unconditional love with others. We remember the poor and homeless, many of whom call Dial Hope. Pour out your grace upon your people. Send the star to shine on us in our moods of depression and unbelief. Let our lives be flooded with ripples of hope. Teach us to plant hope wherever we go. Thank you, God. We love you. Through him whose birth brings light and joy. Amen.