The Thrill of Hope

“The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!” (John Dwight, “O Holy Night”). The promise of Christ’s birth continues to give us hope today. I can certainly resonate with the description “the weary world,” but we are reminded that even the weary world has reason to rejoice because the Messiah has come. It is certainly a new and glorious day that is dawning. Let’s rejoice and share the reason for our joy with others.

I mentioned in yesterday’s sermon that beginning next week we’ll be look at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. From now until Easter will be focused on these three chapters from Matthew’s Gospel. What Jesus’ paints for us is the image of a different way of life with different priorities and resulting in different actions. We don’t have to live like the world around us lives, because as followers of Christ we realize that everything is different.

Just a reminder that our annual meeting will be held January 16th. Remember the rest of the things that are going on in next few weeks. I hope you are able to have some blessed moments with friends and family during this Christmas season.

God bless,

Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday Matthew 5:1-12—What do you see in this passage that is different from the way we often think?

Isaiah 61—What promises do you notice in this passage?

Zephaniah 2:1-3—Why do you think humility is so important for God’s people?

Hebrews 11:32-40—What is the connection between persecution and God’s people?