My brothers and I, who normally don’t get along, prayed together. My last chemo treatment is done. We are going to figure out a way to help your child at school. I’m finally able to fly and see you after having to cancel twice because of the pandemic. He got down on one knee, asked me to marry him, and I said yes! My baby finally slept through the night.

I heard all of the above comments over the past couple of weeks from friends and coworkers. Each uttered with emotion, joy and genuine hope.

Just saying the word “hope” elicits a rising happiness and determined pursuit of a joyful future. And, as Christian faithful, we are uniquely suited to hope – both for this life and for life eternal.

“May your mercy, Lord, be upon us; as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22

Just as I heard those who I know personally share their words of hope, so, too, do I have the privilege of learning and sharing the hope of others through The Catholic Telegraph. While we intentionally plan most stories in each issue, many find their way to us. In the past couple of months, stories of hope kept landing on my desk – so much so that I thought, perhaps, the Holy Spirit was guiding me to make our final magazine issue of the year all about hope.

Thus, this issue in your hands is full of hopeful stories sent to The Catholic Telegraph by our readers. They are stories of restored marriages, the kindness of children, the love of faith and the love of local churches. They include young writers, growing Catholic school programs and the generosity of teachers.

And, most importantly, this issue includes the ultimate form of hope: prayer. After all, the season of Advent itself is one born of hope – hopeful longing for the birth of the Messiah.

From small disappointments to major crises, this past year included pain and despair for many of us. As we prepare for Christ’s birth, may this issue help inspire you to look to the future with hope.

Doing so as Catholic Christians, I take comfort in the words of Bishop Barron, and pray you will do the same:

“We’re hopeful because of Jesus Christ… We look to Christ, Christ who conquered death. Christ who died for us, rose from the dead for our justification. Christ who is alive, who guides the Church, is present to it. Christ who is sending each one of us in our own way, right now, on mission. So keep your eyes fixed on Him.”

Wishing you a blessed and hopeful Advent and Christmas.