One Hope One Christmas

I found this year's CCIS very meaningful and I enjoyed my time helping out over the 2 days though my legs might beg to differ (signs of old age). Of cos, the people who were helping alongside made the experience even better. :) The theme for CCIS this year is One Christmas, One Hope. And to keep true to the theme, the committee decided to put up something where people can write their hopes and wishes this Christmas, and if it is something meaningful and realistic, they would grant that wish! And that is how the "Tree of Hope" came about.

Other than the usual "Talk to my hand" responses I got, it was fun getting and watching other people write down their hopes and staple it on the "Tree of Hope". From standard wishes like "World Peace", "Good Health", to people wanting PSPs, IPhones etc., there were also many noble and meaningful wishes that people put up. Like to give the children in a particular home a sponsored outing and one which I particularly like is to see one little kid write, "I wish that my dad will stop smoking and gambling..."

As I see the people flocking by to just write down their wishes, it showed me one thing. That we all have hopes, knowingly or unknowingly. And it is with hope that we find meaning in living. And unlike the way we use the word "hope" nowadays, when the word "hope" is used in the Bible, it brings with it a surety and "confirm will happen one" meaning. I do not know how many people will get their hopes granted from the "Tree of Hope", but I know at least I have the hope of a better place to look forward to in the future. And I am sure glad to have received this gift though I do not deserve it.