We wait in hope for the Lord, He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

Psalm 33:20-22 NIV

As a young child I loved the Christmas Season and celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. I vividly recall sitting in our living room in my little red rocker on Christmas Eve, looking at the star my mind perceived as the same star that guided the wise men. I could almost hear the angels singing and proclaiming the birth of Jesus to the Shepherds!

I was in awe of this birth and even at such a young age could feel the joy! My heart was full as I sat there singing carols that spoke of this wonderful event! I often recollect and try to go back to that time to feel this miraculous birth with that same joy and innocent delight.

I can’t remember a time I didn’t feel the unfailing love of our Lord and knew that a relationship with our Savior would be my great guiding star for the rest of my life. During times of struggles and failures the one thing I cling to is the knowledge that the birth of Jesus gave all of us hope for the future.

We are today in a very weary world and pray for the “thrill of hope” referenced in O Holy Night; “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” The same child who was born that night that shepherds worshiped and wise men sought is our precious Lord and Savior who will redeem our world again.

During this season of celebration of the birth of Jesus, remember what the season really means and what we are celebrating. We don’t have to be weary, feel defeated, full of fear, and hopelessness because “in Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust His Holy Name!”

“Fall on your knees, O hear the angels voices, O night Divine, O night when Christ was born.”

Dear Father, as we celebrate the birth of Your Son, our Savior, we ask that you help this weary world remember that night of great rejoicing and claim that joy and hope for the future.