This title has been all over my feed the past few weeks. After all that has happened in 2020, “a thrill of hope” seems to be the go-to title for Christmas services at every church. It does have a certain ring to it! Since that phrase had been on my mind, every time I hear it on the Christmas radio station that I have listed to almost exclusively (breaking only for the Hamilton soundtrack🤣🤣) since November 1st- I thought to myself that it might make a good topic for a blog post.

I wanted to take the time to dive in a little deeper.

The actual definition of the word thrill is to affect with a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement, as to produce a tremor or tingling sensation through the body.

The definition of hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

Isn’t a thrill of hope what we are all craving?

A wave of excitement at the thought of life returning to normal….

A tingling sensation as we consider that things are going to turn out for the best…

The desire that what is wanted can be had- family get togethers, graduations, weddings, even birthdays….

The thrill of hope that 2021 will not be like 2020.

The next line of the song says ‘….a weary world rejoices…’

Isn’t that the truth!?!? We are all weary! We might not all agree on vaccines or masks or politics or anything really, but I think we would all agree that we are simply tired. Mentally, physically, emotionally weary.

We could all use a thrill of hope.

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

Sure the New Year symbolizes a fresh start, but you don’t have to wait until then. One of my favorite Bible verses is “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”(‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬)
Every morning or any morning can be your fresh start. A deep breath of fresh air for your weary soul. My prayer is that this Christmas season we will remember the good and the bad of this past year. I pray that we will choose to look forward with great anticipation to this next year and rest in the fact that God has us. We might be weary, but we are not forgotten.
Merry Christmas! ❤️