A Thrill of Hope

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn”

What a timeless carol! When in all of history has the weary world not longed for a thrill of hope?

My church is currently working our way through Isaiah, and I am amazed at the hope unfurling as the prophet Isaiah reveals the promises of the Lord to His people.

“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.” (Isaiah 9:2)

Who is Isaiah speaking of? Isaiah is prophesying the truth of our reality, and the true hope of Jesus. John connects the dots for us: “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5). And if there was any question about whom Isaiah prophesied, Jesus speaks loud and clear: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

To us, the weary world, the Gospel brings a thrill of hope. We, who have been walking in darkness, have already seen a great light. Christ has come. He dwelt on earth, humbling himself, even to the point of death, to take on the weight of our sin and shame in order to restore us to right relationship with God. To us, who have dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on us has a light shone.

But Isaiah doesn’t stop at verse two. His prophesy continues:

“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.” Isaiah 9:6

Christ is our wonderful counselor and mighty God. This weary world cries out to the God who is both sympathetic and saviour. But God was not done at Christ’s resurrection! Our saviour king is coming back. Isaiah hints at this later on in chapter 9:

“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.” Isaiah 9:7

 Christ’s rule and reign will never come to end. He will rule with justice and righteousness, forever and ever.

And so this weary world rejoices. Because we have collectively been witness to the Light, who came and is to come. We have experienced the thrill of hope brought upon by the wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father and price of peace, and look expectantly as yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Welcome to advent, brothers and sisters.

“Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.”