“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

We live in a world that is hungry for hope, always looking for someone or something that will make an impossible situation possible or will provide an unexpected positive in a negative situation.  Hopelessness can lead to a wide range of responses, from uneasiness, worry, helplessness, or distrust, to much more severe responses like bitterness, grief, gloom and anger.  2020 has brought many of those reactions from people who have become frustrated by their circumstances, regardless of the situation - quarantine, medical issues, family problems, natural disasters, job situations…. The list could go on and on.

That’s the beauty of HOPE.  Hope meets us where we are and shows us the positive, the possibility, the belief in something bigger than the problem.  The word is used throughout the Scriptures to refer to something that comes directly from God or from His Word.  Other passages refer to Christ as our hope, or the hope of heaven. John Piper once wrote, “Darkness comes.  In the middle of it, the future looks blank.  The temptation to quit is huge.  Don’t.  You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward.  But with God, nothing is impossible.  He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive.  Wait. Pray without ceasing.  Hope.”

With the coming of a new year comes the opportunity to revisit the possibility of HOPE.   It also gives rise to our ability as Christians to respond to a world desperate for hope with the answer to their longing.  The blessings that you receive from God can be poured out to meet the needs of those around you.  Open your eyes to see.  To the one who is weary, you can speak words of encouragement.  To the one who is frustrated, you can share words of peace.  To the lonely, you can lend a listening ear.  To the one seeking comfort, you can give the gift of your presence.  Yes, you can be the source of HOPE for this weary world as you share God’s love with them.

Minds:
Take the time to read the story behind the familiar carol, “O Holy Night”. https://discovergrace.com/o-holy-night/    

Especially pay attention to the third verse:

“Truly He taught us to love one another.  His law is love, and His Gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother.  And in His name all oppression shall cease.”

Hearts: 
Pray for those around you who find themselves bound by difficult circumstances.  Ask God to show you ways that you can represent His hope to their weary hearts.  If that weary heart is your child, please know that you can communicate with the school regarding your concerns.