Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains He shall break

For the slave is our brother

And in His Name

All oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy

In grateful chorus raise we

Let all within us praise His holy Name

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Not because of the cheesy Hallmark music, drinking hot chocolate, or paying way too much to bring a tree into your home. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE those things just as much as the next guy. Seriously, I love everything about the holiday season. I’m the person that starts playing Christmas music in November (oops). But in the midst of all of this, I love being reminded of what Christmas really means for the weary world and the weary self. In our culture, Christmas is one of the most anticipated holidays – that’s why we celebrate it for the entire month of December. But the original Christmas story actually began with anticipation. In fact, for years God’s people were anticipating the coming of their Savior. Advent truly is my favorite season because it reminds me of that anticipation. The word Advent is thrown around a lot this time of year, but it literally means the arrival or the coming of something important. The anticipation of Jesus’s first coming when he came to die for the sins of man, but also his second coming when he will return again in glory. I am so thankful for this season because it reminds me of who Jesus is and what he came to do, and who I am because of it. It draws me back in to realize my need for a Savior.

That’s why one of my favorite lines in this song is “a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” Ever since the fall of man, the world cried out for a savior to bring restoration and redemption. Our weary souls can rejoice because of the coming of Christ. Through Christ, God has not left us alone in our sin, but he has made a way for us to be made new and whole and righteous. This is not something that we could have attained ourselves – and so we rejoice! And Jesus is our hope in that. I hope and pray this season that you are reminded of this good news. To him be the glory forever and ever.

I love going through an Advent study or devotion every year during Christmas time, so I’ve put together a few great resources below if you want to do the same!