The Thrill Of Hope

“The thrill of HOPE, the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

These words from the familiar carol, “O Holy Night,” speak to me today, even though they were written over 150 years ago about the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. Why? Because the world is still weary. I hear from people regularly who are weary from hope that has been lost. It seems to be a familiar theme in Christmas stories…

In the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey lost hope when a financial crisis hit his Savings and Loan. He was ready to end his life when Clarence the angel came on the scene to show him that his life had great value.

In the movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the Grinch became “grinchy” because of his loss of hope of ever being valued and loved by anyone… that is, until Cindy Loo Who came into his life and showed compassion by inviting him to be part of the community that had initially shunned him.

I wonder, as I type this column, if you are experiencing a profound weariness as you prepare for Christmas. All the shopping, the decorations, the food prep and parties… all the lists and cards and decisions to be make… all the blessings and programs and cookies to bake… the list seems endless and exhausting. What is it about the holidays that drain us and steal our joy?

The enemy of our soul will be happy to take credit for our weariness. As long as he can fill our lives with fun and busyness and list upon list at Christmas, he can keep our focus off of the “thrill of HOPE.” Without that Hope, you will certainly not “fall on your knees” in awe and wonder at the precious gift of a Savior.

Perhaps it isn’t a busy schedule, but a hopelessness in your spirit that has stolen your joy. Maybe you need the thrill of hope to be restored in your soul. Jesus came to bring hope. He came to bring life and make it better than you can imagine. He came to reunite His broken creation with the Creator. He came because of a love that we will never be able to comprehend.

This Christmas, may your heart be filled with hope as you encounter the beauty and the glory of God, becoming like us to reunite us with Him for eternity. May you see His love like never before and realize that there is indeed reason to have HOPE!

Merry Christmas!