Yesterday was the first day of Advent and the first candle that you light is called the Hope candle. And I, ever running just a little behind, made a hope pattern. I can't promise patterns for each Sunday (or Monday, in this case) of Advent, but we'll see.
Actually this pattern has been on my mind and sketched out for a while now. The words "we have a hope" are from a song that one of the worship leaders at my church wrote, and it's been a song that I've needed during this season of my life. In September, a dear friend of my family passed away. He was more than just a friend though. He was family and we spent birthdays and holidays and ordinary days with him...for most of my life.
His death was not entirely unexpected, but the cancer took him far too fast. We're all heartbroken. It made Thanksgiving traditions difficult and we're now trying to figure out how we'll start some new Christmas traditions. And it has most definitely taken a toll on my ability to work and focus.
But in the midst of the mourning and sorrow, we have a hope. Our hope is Jesus.
And that's what the Hope candle of Advent is about. Hope in a Savior who has been here already, is coming again, and is God with us here and now. If I didn't have that, I'd be more than just broken...I'd be shattered beyond repair.
It's funny how hope and sadness and hope and anxiety and hope and brokenness can exist side by side and all together. But I think that's kind of the point of hope.
So now as I try to pull myself together and stitch through another day, maybe you'd like to stitch some hope too.
You can work this however you like, but I'm planning to stitch the wide part of the letters with some loose fill (maybe horizontal stripes?). And I'm also thinking of stitching the flower with a felt base, like with the flowers in this tutorial. Oh, and those circles in the pattern? They're meant to be worked as woven wheel stitch for some pretty roses.
There are a few people in my life who need this reminder, so I've got some Christmas stitching to do, and I had better get busy!
Praise Jesus for He is indeed our one true hope, Mollie. I'm sorry for the loss you have experienced, the space his passing has left in your life. May our precious Lord fill every corner and wrap you in everlasting arms as you walk towards Christmas and the making of new traditions and memories. xxxx
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your family's loss, Mollie.
ReplyDeleteSending you love and well wishes, Mollie. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My Dad passed away in October, and this Thanksgiving was just so lonely without him. Thank Gad for memories and photographs, right? You are in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteDear Mollie,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. I understand the sadness. My dear Father passed away in September. I feel like the bottom fell out of my boat. Thankfully we have hope in Jesus. Blessings to you and your family.
Jan
I've been following your blog for a long long time, this post and this pattern is my favorite. Thank you for sharing your gifts and your faith.
ReplyDelete