"Optimism and hope are radically different attitudes. Optimism is the expectation that things--the weather, human relationship, the economy, the political situation, and so on--will get better. Hope is trust that God will fulfill God's promises to us in a way that leads us to true freedom. The optimist speaks about concrete changes in the future. The person of hope lives in the moment with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good hands." Henri Nouwen

During this Advent season we live in the hope of receiving the coming of Christ in a new way that will deepen our union with him, who is our Lord and Savior. But this hope is based on our relationship with God in the present moment. For if we are conscious of our union with God in the present moment by his grace, then each moment is the coming of Jesus to renew us in his love and life. We can be optimistic that we will stay open to the Lord. But we hope for his grace to be given to us to remain in him. Come, Lord Jesus, come!