Oh, friends, what a beautiful week of study we’ve had together! Let’s pause for a moment to celebrate the goodness of God for giving us hope when He sent His Son to us!

One of my favorite Christmas carols is “O Holy Night.” I love the way the lyrics tell the story of Jesus’ birth. The first stanza paints a beautiful picture of a world waiting, longing until our Savior was born and our "soul felt its worth”! One line in particular stops my heart every time I hear it:

"A thrill of hope — the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."

That thrill of hope is the love that heals us when we are hurting. That thrill of hope is that God is with us; we are not alone. That thrill of hope is Jesus Christ. This is what Advent is about. In the face of darkness and pain, we have a very real hope in the coming of our Savior, who conquered death and darkness.

The world this song speaks of is the same world we see today. While darkness surrounds us and troubles exist, Jesus is here, a light shining in a dark place.

This still brings the thrill of hope today. That hope gives us meaning and purpose. 

Dear friend, no matter where you find yourself, no matter what your circumstances, may you experience the thrill of hope that God has for you.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NIV)

Love and prayers,

Alicia

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How can you share the hope of Christmas with others this year?