Christmas! It’s probably most people’s favorite holiday. There’s something about the cold, wet weather that draws us to the warmth inside, delighting ourselves with Christmas lights and decorations, a warm bowl of soup, and slower-paced days.
One of my all-time favorite Christmas songs is “O Holy Night.” This particular verse beautifully captures the gospel message:
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
All around us are people who feel as if they are just going through the motions, burdened by painful choices and living far from the abundant life God has created for them. The levels of exhaustion, frustration, anger, and anxiety are at an all-time high. Our world is lacking in joy and peace. This may be you today.
Yet, the song describes the true purpose of Christmas and the coming of Christ, “a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,” and that is the hope we long for.
Our world is weary from:
- the unfulfilled rat race
- feelings of not being good enough
- broken relationships
- being lonely in a noisy world
- financial strain
- political unrest
- an angry society
- and so much more
And Jesus wants to change all of that. Matthew 9:35-36 says, “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
His compassion for all who are harassed and helpless, without hope and direction, is evident in His coming. The love of our Savior, who saw the brokenness of humanity, stepped down in the form of an infant to show us all that He loves each one of us with a love so deep, so divine, and so perfect that He paid the ultimate price so that we could be free.
If you find yourself weary this season, take heart. We have a Messiah, the Savior of the World, who wants to exchange your weariness for His joy and peace. Invite Him to be your hope this season.
May we continue to live…
Rooted in Him,
