This week, Pastor Chris continued our Christmas series The Thrill of Hope with a powerful message about how the light of Christ is the only true hope for a weary world. It’s not hard to see that our world is broken and filled with darkness, desperately in need of hope. But the hope of Jesus shines through in His victory over sin and the world, a victory that He extends to each of us. In Him, we can exchange our weariness for the joy that only Christ can bring.
O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared
And the soul felt its worth
The thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
And yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine
O night O night divine
- Weary ~ Having the strength much exhausted by toil or violent exertion; tired; fatigued.
Joy that Casts Out Darkness
Isaiah 8:22 (ESV)
22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.
Isaiah 9:1 (ESV)
1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
Matthew 4:12–16 (ESV)
12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2-3 (ESV)
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
John 1:9 (ESV)
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
John 8:12 (ESV)
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 1:5 (ESV)
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Overflowing Joy
Isaiah 9:4-7 (ESV)
4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
- Wonderful Counselor
“Boredom is therefore a vital problem for the moralist, since at least half the sins of mankind are caused by the fear of it.” Bertrand Russell, The Conquest of Happiness
2. Mighty God
Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
3. Everlasting Father
4. Prince of Peace
Philippians 4:7 (The Message)
7 Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
External change does nothing for the internal state.
Good News of Great Joy
Luke 2:10–11 (ESV)
10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
“Joy is not happiness. Joy and happiness are two different things. Happiness depends on happenstance. But joy is extraordinary happiness that is independent of what happens to us.” Dr. Brene Brown.
“We are trying to dress rehearse tragedy so we can beat vulnerability to the punch.” Dr. Brene Brown
“Why do we insist on dress-rehearsing tragedy in moments of deep joy? Because joy is the most vulnerable emotion we feel. And that’s saying something, given that I study fear and shame. When we feel joy, it is a place of incredible vulnerability—it’s beauty and fragility and deep gratitude and impermanence all wrapped up in.” Dr. Brené Brown, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
Luke 1:46–48 (ESV)
46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
- Biblical joy is internal.
- Biblical joy and peace always go together.
- Joyful people are thankful people.
“If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator; If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist; If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist; If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer; But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.” Max Lucado
Discussion Questions:
- Pastor Chris talked about the “weary world” and how the light of Christ brings hope. In what ways have you personally felt the weariness of the world around you? How does Christ’s light give you hope in those moments?
- In what ways do these names of Jesus (Isaiah 6:9) offer comfort or strength in your daily life? How do they shape the way you see Jesus and relate to Him?
- How does the hope of Jesus’ victory over sin and the world challenge the despair or darkness you may experience personally or see in the world?
Application Questions:
- How can you share the “thrill of hope” with others who are feeling weary or discouraged this Christmas season? What practical steps can you take to be a light in the lives of those around you?
- This week, take time to pray for those who may be experiencing weariness, darkness, or hopelessness this season. How can you encourage others to continually look to Christ as their source of hope and joy?