The Thrill of Hope
As I sit down to write this post, it is the month of August. Last week, we hit high temps in the upper 90’s that felt like 110+ degrees outside. As the Romans used to say, we are in the dog days of summer. So, why is Christmas on my mind? Because at the beginning of chapter 20 of Revelation, we read about the 1000-year reign of Christ, and this should prompt hope in us. Yes, there are lots of thoughts on just what the millennial reign of Jesus is or will be. This post is not going to attempt to explain them. But, what John writes about in the opening verse of Revelation 20, reminds us that this age and its brokenness will not last or go on forever. And that is good news! That is hopeful news!
And, so, Avent comes to my mind. Advent is the four Sundays leading up to Christmas and is a time when we look back in remembrance of Jesus’ first advent (arrival) and look forward to his second advent, his return. It is a season where we are to be filled with hope. Why? Because we remember when the Light broke through the darkness, and we know he is coming back to restore it all. With that in mind, here is a post I read a few years ago, one of the most famous lyrics from “O Holy Night.” I hope you are encouraged by it, and let us remember the thrill of hope that Revelation reminds us of.
“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)[1]
[1] https://proverbs31.org/study/online-bible-studies/pointing-to-the-promise/blog/2021/12/10/the-thrill-of-hope