I remember, as a child, getting so excited when the Christmas specials came on television. I have always loved when we sing Christmas carols at church! As a child it brought excitement but now it brings exciting expectations of hope.
In my small group, a few years ago, we studied the lyrics to “Joy To The World”. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room…” We shared how we need to prepare more room for God in our life. When life is tough we need to remember, “He rules the world with truth and grace...” While we are filled with joy that Jesus was born, we were reminded that Advent is a time to anticipate His second coming. I almost did not do the study because “it is such a busy time of year!” Exactly, that is why we needed to do it - to prepare room for Him! We all agreed that we would never sing, “Joy To The World” the same again. 1 Peter 1: 3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you…”
People are looking for hope, that feeling of expectation and trust. When we have hope in God, we have a feeling of trust which gives us peace, that only comes from God. Philippians 4: 7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The song that sticks with me is, “We Need A Little Christmas”! We do “need a little Christmas right this very minute!” If you are looking for hope, start praising! You cannot be in the midst of worship and praise and not have hope! December 25 has passed but we can still have Christmas and celebrate Jesus!
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