"The Thrill of hope"

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Remember the song “O Holy Night” – A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Does Christmas thrill you?

Children get excited at the coming of the season and often we might feel a bit of a charge through experiencing their amazement. However, planning the party, trimming the tree, maxing out the credit card, wrapping, shipping, traveling can often rob us from knowing the wonder for ourselves. And that's assuming we aren't one of the multitudes who find themselves with a case of the Holiday Blues.

So, if Christ's coming into this world offers hope, and hope, as the song says, provides a thrill, how do we locate that experience amid the distraction and disillusionment of life?

Well…that's the cool thing about hope. Just as total darkness can't hold back the light of a tiny flame, so does even the smallest increment of hope provide joy and purpose.

God wants us to live with hope and assurance that all his promises will come true for us and that our future is firmly and safely secure in His hand for our good. And, that’s the good news of Christmas! God brought hope to all people. The angel’s announcement to the shepherds made that clear. “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

May this Christmas be a renewal of hope. It was settled long ago, so we don't have to doubt anymore. Jesus is the fulfillment of our hope, our deepest longings come true.

Friends, my Christmas prayer is…“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

May God fill each of our hearts with the thrill of hope, joy, peace, and love.

Merry Christmas & Many Blessings!