“A Thrill of HOPE”
Is there anything more special than experiencing the joy of Christmas through the eyes of a child?
The first time we caravanned to see this particular Holiday light display, our youngest niece was barely 6-weeks-old. Last Christmas, she navigated the town square, with her confident three-year-old charm; giving direction to anyone who would listen. The fascination and wonder on her young face was truly a sight to behold.
Her older siblings shared in the excitement as they skipped to each set-up, pointing out their favorite colors and exhibits. The family politely stopped, when instructed, to capture a mask-clad photo for keepsake.
The eldest of the two girls and I wandered the walkways, arm in arm, while singing carols at the top of our lungs. (You do know, that is the best way to spread Christmas cheer, right?)
After nearly an hour taking in the surrounding beauty, our crew began heading back to the car. The children ran off course as they noticed a section of the park we had yet to explore.
Trailing slowly behind, I caught a glimpse of what had captured their attention. The image stopped me in my tracks. How could I have missed this when we entered the exhibit?
There in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the crowd, sitting atop a covered trailer, was a nativity scape. The display alone was heart-warming because of the obvious effort and time it had taken to prepare.
Even so, what caused me to linger was the large red lettering below the scene, that simply read…
HOPE
As if time pressed pause, I surveyed the activity around me. Was this imagery impacting anyone else in the same way?
Suddenly, a lyric from my favorite Christmas song began filtering through my mind. “a thrill of HOPE, the weary world rejoices.”
Perhaps this was the overwhelming reaction that those who witnessed the birth of Christ firsthand experienced. The promised Messiah had finally come, to bring HOPE to the world.
Later that evening I pulled out my Bible to read the account in Luke 2. A part of scripture I could likely recite verbatim, having heard it for the past four decades.
However, this time, I read the passage aloud with the nativity and large red letters in mind.
“In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone around them, and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people. For this day in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (the Messiah). And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find a Baby wrapped in [swaddling] cloths and lying in a manger.” Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest [heaven],
And on earth peace among men with whom He is well-pleased.”
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known what had been told them about this Child, and all who heard it were astounded and wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart. “ (Luke 2:8-19, AMP)
Can you feel the exhilaration dripping off the narrative here? (Go ahead and re-read it if you missed it the first time.)
These passages depict an encounter with HOPE that I don’t want anyone to miss as we approach this final week before Christmas.
The shepherds, lowly in station, received an invitation to view for themselves the awesomeness of their Creator. On that incredible day, in the city of Bethlehem, these men became infused with a “thrill of HOPE.”
After experiencing Christ’s presence, their immediate response - PRAISE - followed by a desire to share their encounter.
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.” (Luke 8:20)
While the architects of this incredible Christmas event may have been intentional about selecting this particular word to accompany such a life-altering scene; I can only pray that those who witnessed it truly understood its significance.
No other word could be used to illustrate what we as a weary world need, right now.
So, dear reader, whatever you may be carrying into this holiday season - be it weariness or joy, I implore you to consider turning to the one who can infuse your spirit with a “thrill of HOPE.”
