While “almost hope” reminds us that there are brighter days ahead, we still have to go through the darkness. Like Mary, many of us find ourselves dealing with unplanned events that can turn our lives upside down. Over two thousand years ago, a baby showed up and Jesus brought us hope for the future — that we will be redeemed. He brought hope for the present — that we are not alone but are loved and have purpose. He brought hope even over the past — that our failures are not greater than God’s power to transform. And we are to carry the hope we have in Him with us, bringing it to those who are struggling.