“A thrill of Hope the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” – O Holy Night

Imagine for a moment… centuries ago…before the birth of the Messiah at the first Christmas…

Chaos swirled. Government oppression ruled. Hope seemed lost.  The Promised King, a very distant dream.

How different was it from our own weary world?!

We too face chaos and unrest nationally and internationally.

Personal-life challenges often leave us exhausted as we deal with pain in health battles, financial hardship, relational strain…and even the quiet exhaustion of just trying to make it through the day.

There are days when the world feels heavy, and the heart feels even heavier with loss, grief, shame, dreams that have died…and more.

But… everything changed… in an instant. With the birth of a baby.

“The splendor-Light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender. The Word from heaven will come to us with dazzling light to shine upon those who live in darkness, near death’s dark shadow. And He will illuminate the path that leads to the way of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79 – the Passion Translation

No longer is He a distant God, uninvolved in the affairs and challenges of our every day life. He broke in in Tenderness, as a baby, to bring us Light and Truth.

“A thrill of Hope…Rejoicing…for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”

Instead of carrying heaviness, pain and hopelessness, we can take the swirl of our lives to Him in prayer. We can ask Him to shine His light of Truth on the situation and tell us what we need to know. His Word and His Voice, His Light and His Truth change everything. It becomes the dawn of a new day.

As I’ve pondered these lines to my favorite Christmas carol, O Holy Night, I’m struck again at how the Eternal God planned from before time to send Light into our darkness. Knowing the depth and despair of our life’s challenges and weariness, He came as the infant King to bring us Hope.

His humble appearance to the weak, the unqualified, the broken brings an entirely new day. A new way of living. Promises fulfilled. Chains broken. Hearts healed, filled with peace and joy.

What else can we do but fall on our knees and praise His holy name?!!

2024 has been a long, tough year for many. We have much to celebrate, yet life is full of ups and downs. If you’re finding yourself in a weary place, may you find a few moments to reflect, rejoice and celebrate the Light who has come. Planned from before time, to come, to personally bring a new dawn to your life.

In the busyness of the season, take a few minutes to slow down and let the words and music of O Holy Night soak into your heart and bring refreshment, peace, hope and joy.

Watch with fresh eyes The Chosen Christmas Story told from the “unclean” Shepherd and an “impure” virgin mother’s perspective. Let hope and rejoicing rise up!

Merry Christmas!!