In the popular Christmas song, "O Holy Night", right before the climax of the song are the words "a thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices..."
What is your thrill of hope? What makes you believe that there is more than the sadness that our world seems to be living in a state of? What makes you believe that everything will be okay, even if it's not okay right now? What is the reason that you keep going, keep believing, even when the going gets tough?
There is one answer to this question. Other things or people may give us hope, but they themselves are not that hope, no matter how amazing they may be. Jesus Christ, true God and true man, is the only true and everlasting thrill of hope. Despite everything that has happened this year, Jesus is still our hope and gives us reason to rejoice.
This thrill of hope, He didn't come as a king, filled with glory and power, he didn't come bearing a sword, he didn't come with a political agenda, He came in a cave, born to a peasant girl and her loving husband. He came as a baby, sweet and gentle. And He came as a thrill of hope for a weary world that was in need of joy. Even though modern celebrations of the birth of the Christ Child only seem to be about flashy lights and sparkles, we always need to remember that our true hope, Jesus Christ, was born in a dirty stable, His parents were unsure of the path ahead, but all throughout their journey with Jesus they just trusted God. God has a plan for them and He has a plan for you. He has a plan for me and He has a plan for this country and for our world. He will not let us down. Our Lord is faithful and He keeps His promises.
As we embark on our journey through the Christmas season, let us not forget who it is that we celebrate, who is the cause of our joy, our thrill of hope, Jesus Christ.
May God bless you and your families always. Have a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year!
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