December 3, 2020

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn…

Photo credit: Federico Beccari on Unsplash

Thursday, December 3, 2020 

 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:  The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3: 21 - 24

 Each year as Christmas approaches, hope abounds in the hearts of all of us; children check to see if that special gift is under the Christmas tree; families make plans to be together; we check the weather forecast to see if we will have a white Christmas; we long for peace on earth.  In this pandemic year of 2020 our focus has shifted and different hopes have arisen: that our families will be safe from Covid 19, that we'll be able to travel again to see loved ones, that we will get our jobs back and be able to pay our bills. The optimists among us dream of gathering for our beloved Advent celebrations and Christmas Eve candlelight services.

 As Christians, our hope is grounded in the promises of God, which are found throughout the scriptures: 

 “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made”. (Psalm 145:9) 

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145: 18) 

 “His love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations”.  (Psalm 100:5)  

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”. (Isaiah 40:29)  

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)  

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am”. (John 14:1-3).  

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

These words, penned in 1847 as part of the Christmas Carol, Oh Holy Night, really resonate this year, when life has been so different and we wonder if things will ever feel “normal” again.  In the season of Advent, we look forward to the coming of the Christ child, who came into our weary world as Emmanuel, God with us, bringing hope that rises above even the worst of circumstances. It is this year's perfect gift, given when we need it most, and though hope might feel fragile as we hold it in our hearts, if we invite God to enter into it with us, He will enable us to offer it to those who need it most.

 Prayer: Thank you for the gift of hope that was given to us through the birth of your son, Jesus. Help us to be people of hope.

 Sharon Baxter is a retired library tech and pastor's wife. She is married to Ron, mother of two sons and a daughter, and grandmother to eight precious grandchildren. She enjoys her family, reading, hiking, kayaking, and beaches everywhere.