Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Matthew 12:21
“And his name will be the hope of all the world.”

In the notes of “O Holy Night,” the lyrics echo our Christmas adventure:

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

Hope is not just a sentiment—it's a profound thrill, a promise breaking forth like the dawn of a new day.

It is a delicately wrapped gift adorned with bright paper and tied with a bow that sparkles with promise. It is a valuable treasure waiting for us to receive. It is carefully crafted and presented to each one of us. Our name is beautifully penned on the ornate tag.

Unwrapping hope is an intentional and patient unfolding of layers to reveal something precious, something glorious. It can transform us in ways we could never do on our own.

At Christmas, this takes on a profound significance. The hope we find in Christ is a timeless, enduring truth. Imagine the anticipation as you carefully peel away the layers of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. As the paper falls away, we find the embodiment of God's promise wrapped in swaddling clothes in a humble manger.

Consider the moments in your life when hope seemed distant. Perhaps it was a year marked by loss, a season of adversity, or a time when joy felt so far away. In these moments, the act of unwrapping hope is a deliberate choice. It requires courage to peel away the layers of disappointment, trusting that beneath it all, the gift of hope remains intact, just waiting for us to receive it, again. That courage is so much stronger when we do it together.

In our shared adventure, we each hold our own personal facet of hope. The stories we share, kindness we extend, and love we give—important moments in the process of unwrapping our individual gifts. The beauty of hope is magnified. The impact reaches beyond our individual gifts and resonates with those whom God has brought into our lives.

This impact has the ability to cause a weary world to rejoice.

The gift of hope continues. Each new day offers new facets of beauty to uncover. Delight in the layers of joy, peace, and love that Christ offers. It's an ongoing adventure, where the gift of hope becomes a guiding light throughout the year.

Questions:
In what ways can the act of unwrapping hope be an experience to share with your family or community this Christmas?

Reflect on the lyrics "a new and glorious morn" from "O Holy Night." How does this imagery impact your perception of hope during the Christmas season and beyond?

Next Steps:
Commit to sharing the hope you have in Christ with someone in your life. Consider how your experiences can be a source of encouragement and inspiration for others during this season.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, as I unwrap the gift of hope you offer through your Son this Christmas, I am reminded of the thrill it brings to a weary world. Fill me completely with joy and peace because I trust in you, the source of all hope. May I overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Help me share this gift with others and collectively rejoice in the promise of a new and glorious morn. As Romans 15:13 reminds me, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Fill me, completely with your joy and your peace. Allow hope to flow from me to all those around me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Parent Resource:
Read Luke 1:32-33 together as a family. Parents, share the meaning behind your children’s names (Google is your friend for this) and why it’s special to you.

Series Theme Verse:

Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

This post was written by Monique Myers, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.