Holidays often have a deep sense of hope built into them.  Thanksgiving and Fall Festivals are hope realized in a bountiful crop.  Hanukkah is hope realized in the dedication of the Second Temple and the restoration of cultural customs in the second century BCE.  Christmas is hope realized in the coming of the Son of God into the world.  The New Year celebration is hope realized in the dawn of a new year with new possibilities.

Have you had a good belly laugh lately?  Check out these words of wisdom about the value of laughter.