Wonders of His Love: An Advent Devotional Inspired by Christmas CarolsSample

O Holy Night

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

Do you remember Christmas Eve as a child? I couldn’t wait for morning to come so I could rush down the stairs and enjoy the day with my family. The thrill of Christmas was too much to bear. I couldn’t sleep. I was so excited! And not just for the presents, for the whole day of family traditions.

Now that I’m older, my perspective has slightly changed. Yes, I still love the cheerfulness of December. But a few years ago, I found myself asking, “Do I have that same excitement about Jesus coming to Earth? Is the excitement too much to bear that it shows on my face? In my life?”

Elizabeth felt it when John leaped in her womb at the greeting of Mary. Even a babe knew the magnificence of Heaven coming down to Earth. It was such a powerful encounter that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy.

So, where is your thrill of hope this year?

Let’s encounter Jesus this Advent with the same excitement, expectation, and hope.

When our hope is in Jesus, things change. With God, difficult situations are no longer impossible. Mountains are no longer immovable. We don’t just have to wish things will turn out okay.

We have a hope that is an anchor for our souls. A confidence that with God, we lack nothing. That He is able to do the impossible. Whatever difficulty we may face, it is no match for our great God! That is our hope.

This Christmas, as your heart desires an encounter with our Savior, I pray you receive a renewed thrill of hope.

What do you find yourself putting your hope in? Pray and ask God to give you the excitement and expectation that Elizabeth and Mary felt on that first Christmas.