The Thrill of HOPE

I was driving home from Durango yesterday, running errands, and getting a little start on Christmas.

I am a late starter this year. Normally, I've done all my shopping, and gift preparations, by Thanksgiving.

I tend to be an over-achiever; but, not this year.

I flipped on a Christmas-music-playing radio station to do a little sing-a-long, while nobody could hear the flat and sharp notes that proceed from my mouth, no matter how hard I try...

From Jingle Bells to I'll Be Home for Christmas, the crooning put me in a nostalgic mood.

I sat up a little straighter, and paid a little more attention, when O Holy Night sounded in the speakers.

I heard the words a little differently this year.

Perhaps because I'm winding down my study on HOPE.

It's been a whole year of study.

And those of you who are loyal to read each week have probably grown weary of my ramblings.

But pay attention, one last time - these words - chills ran up and down my spine:

"The thrill of HOPE, the weary world rejoices...

For yonder breaks a new and GLORIOUS day.

Fall on your knees..."

Christmas.

Jesus.

The Word-Made-Flesh.

The Light of the World, in whom there was no darkness.

The Good Shepherd.

Creator of the Universe.

THE THRILL OF HOPE!!!!

Yes, the world should rejoice...and, we should fall on our knees.

That would be an appropriate response to God, The Thrill of Hope.

We have a Savior.

A bridge into eternity.

A HEAVENLY HOPE.

A JOYOUS TOMORROW.

Many of us need to be reminded of that during the holiday season.

What a way to close out a year of hope-learning.

And as I do, I'd like to just leave you with a few Haiku to reflect on over the Holy-day Season.

These are just a few written by women from the retreat in Cyprus, who summarized HOPE for me as we wound down our lovely time together. What a nice way to reflect on Jesus, review the past year, and

PONDER our THRILL OF HOPE!

I’m looking forward

Jesus Christ, He is my HOPE

Singing, joyfully

Knowing and resting

Anchored in hope is my soul

Wait with confidence

God works in our lives

We were called for a purpose

Remember His love

Hope in God secure

His promises will endure

Praise and worship sure

Dark clouds chasing me

Trying to outrun the storm

Safe harbor, Set anchor

Waiting on the Lord

Is painful and difficult

Joy is the outcome

Gentle tears fall down

Praises fill our hearts with hope

The name of Jesus

God unchangeable

Gives us a sanctuary

In the midst of storms