The Thrill of Hope
The theme for advent at Twin Lakes Church (where I’m a member) is ‘The Thrill of Hope,’ from the beloved Christmas carol, “Oh Holy Night.”
In the bustle of gift giving and receiving, parties, and food and drink, it can be easy to overlook ‘the thrill of hope’–the centerpiece of the birth of Christ. He came to make a way for us to unite with our Father God and enjoy life forever with him in the next. That is the hope we have––and all other hope pales in comparison.
With that thought in mind, I was so happy to read the following essay, which puts ‘hope’ in action throughout this season and all through the year.
HOPE IN ACTION
(author unknown)
HOPE looks for the good in people instead of harping on the worst.
HOPE opens doors where despair closes them.
HOPE lights a candle instead of cursing the darkness.
HOPE regards problems, small or large, as opportunities.
HOPE is a good loser because it has the divine assurance of final victory.
May each of us spread the thrill of hope and the joy of Jesus wherever we are.
Merry Christmas, dear readers and friends. 
What a wonderful theme for Christmas. It well represents how near Jesus has been to me all year with His presence and hope. I think I’ll borrow the theme over these next days and as I move toward the new year. And I pray for the thrill of hope for you as well. Have a wonder-filled Christmas, Karen.
Thank you, Jan. So good to hear from you. Blessings on you and your sweet family this Christmas season.
Thanks, Karen (and Jan) for such uplifting words.
Thanks for appreciating the words. 🙂
Thanks,Karen, this is great! I like the word JOY very much as well as hope. It can mean “Jesus, Others, You”! A quote I like but have no idea who to give the credit: Share the things that bring you JOY, give you HOPE and make life sweet”
Have a Happy Christmas, everyone!
Love, Margaret
And to you, a blessed and happy Christmas, as well, Margaret.
H…O…P…E…a gift that keeps on spreading
the J…O…Y of Christmas!
Thanks for “re-gifting” hope to me Karen! 😉
May your “Merry Christmas” be filled with more of both.
Smiles, BRC
Thank you, Beth. I love your comment about ‘re-gifting.’ Enjoy your Christmas with your dear family.
Hope … one of the greatest of gifts, along with forgiveness and peace. Thanks for this encouraging word, Karen.
You’re welcome, Carol. Yes, hope sustains us and brings peace and forgiveness right along with it.
Hi Karen, As usual, good word. Given the hope and change promised by man about seven years ago, us Christians know the only hope for mankind is Jesus Christ. Your essay speaks some God words. Merry Christmas to you Karen and a very Happy New Year, filled with the hope of Jesus Christ.
Thanks, Jim. May the love and hope of Christ bless you and all those you love.
Heaven Omnipotent Promise..Eternity HOPE
Merry Christmas dear Karen your words are a gift to all of us.
Thank you, Etta Mae. I love the words you selected. Thoughts to ponder at this holy time of year.
Karen, Blessing for you and your family this Christmas and throughout the new year!
Roz
Roz, and to you the same. I miss seeing you. We must connect soon. May your Christmas be merry and bright with blessings and a new year of hope and health.
Great reminder, Karen. Thank you!
Thank you, Carol, for reading and letting me know.