The Weary World Rejoices: Hope When Christmas is Hard
“…the weary world rejoices…”
I recently heard author Paul Tripp call Christmas “the sufferers holiday.” Joseph and Mary were without a home. Herod was about to order the execution of all boys under two years old. The Jewish people were under Roman occupation.
The first Christmas did not happen during an easy or happy time.
I woke up with the hymn/carol O Holy Night on my mind and the lyrics made me wonder if Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure had a better understanding of Christmas in 1847 than we do now.
A thrill of hope
the weary world rejoices
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Christmas is hope for a weary world. It’s not meant to make a happy life happier. It’s meant to give a tired, discouraged, grieving life hope.
Whatever your Christmas looks like this year, know that it is a day to remember this:
For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NET)
Merry Christmas.
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Coming alongside you and your family in thoughts and prayers.
My way of saying that may be a bit more primitive…”well, they can kill me but they can’t eat me”…but I guessit amounts to the same thing?
God bless, Becky. You are and have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks, Andrew. Merry Christmas.
Puts it all in perspective! Blessings to you all.
Linda and Binnacle
Hugs from my heart to yours Becky. Susan
For some reason, this year it just doesn’t seem like Christmas to me. It’s 75 in Alabama, with tornadoes last night all around last night, and more promised tonight. Can’t enjoy a nice vlog if homemade hit chocolate with that weather lol. Thought a lot about childhood Christmas memories.
Thankful that I don’t have to rely on feelings. They come. They go. But they are deceiving. I have found that if I put my faith in the Word of God, none else is worth believing. So I am going to keep the smile on my face, and do my best to let the Love of God shine through me. I can do this because He First loved me.
Keep writing. I so needed to read this today. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your precious children. Merry Christmas!
All so very true. Caleb was playing outside in just a diaper today. In Connecticut. On Christmas Eve. It’s all so strange.
Please pardon the misspells. I hate auto correct lol
As one of the most difficult years for so many of us, your strength, honesty, and love is an unending message of hope, growth, and change. You constantly inspire me! As distance may separate us, you and your amazing family is always close in my heart!
Hugs, friend!
Merry Christmas Becky! Lovely blog and beautiful words. (fellow Hope Writer ;-}
Thanks, Kelli!