A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
a new and glorious morn'

I’ve always been a big fan of the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Coming off the joy of the holiday, it’s a great time to rest up and prepare for the new year ahead. It also feels like an extended celebration of the hope that Christmas brings.

Christ’s appearing on earth was a new beginning for all of humanity. It split history itself in two. Through his incarnation, Jesus shows us that God is with us, that God cares about us, and that we can find hope and peace in the very presence of God.

That’s what we celebrated last week. And later this week, we’ll celebrate a different kind of beginning: the start of a new calendar year. It’s a reflective and hopeful season every time it comes around, but after the year we’ve all had, I think a new start is something we’re all especially looking forward to.

Change is on the horizon. A new beginning is coming, and whatever that looks like for you, I hope you’ll find hope in knowing that things can and will get better. I know I am.

See you in the new year, friends.