We put our hope in the Lord; he is our protector and our help. Psalm 33:20 Good News Bible
Christmas is a season packed with sounds.
Sleigh bells ringing.
Christmas carolers singing.
Oven timers dinging.
Depending on who lives in your house this year, Christmas may be louder or quieter than previous years.
We naturally associate Christmas sounds with those we love. But for a moment, let’s focus on who lives in our hearts instead of who lives in our house.
Jesus, a form of God, came to earth so God could dwell in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. No sound barriers exist anymore. The Holy Spirit transmits the Father's heartbeat even when our hearts are dry, empty, or damaged.
Romans 5:5 says “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
Pause to consider the shepherds. They were not like the wisemen who had been looking for a sign of the Messiah's coming. They were looking for a way to survive.
Yet, one special night, they experienced a Heavenly visitation that changed their perspective on what was important. (Imagine, this event happened before the Holy Spirit was sent to us.)
Luke 2:16 says, “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us (Italics for Emphasis).”
I can picture the chaos that happened with the sheep that night because their good shepherds went to find a newborn baby. What would make these shepherds leave in haste?
The angels delivered a message the shepherds needed to hear:
“There is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men. (Luke 2:14b The Passion Translation)”
The shepherds heard more than singing that night. Perfect love resounded in their hearts. The light of hope dimmed the glare of their physical circumstances.
My prayer for you this Christmas is that your Heavenly Father delivers the exact message your heart needs to hear to find joy, peace, and hope. I want to reassure you it is possible to hear hope even in seasons of trouble, transition, or trauma.
Psalm 33:20 says, “We put our hope in the Lord; he is our protector and our help.”
Your Heavenly Father is a father like no other. He wants to help heal and protect your heart. You can find peace of mind whether your thoughts are racing or still. You can enjoy rest in His love whether your house is empty or full. As you open your heart to embrace Him this Christmas, I pray hope resounds in your heart and in your home.
Affirmative Statement
Thank you Jesus for creating a way for God to live in my heart. Thank you Father that I can hear hope today because your love is always near me.
Scripture Meditation
"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abadon those you search for you."
Psalm 9:9-10 NLT
Prayer
Holy Spirit, light the embers of divine love in my heart today and keep them burning until I reach Heaven. Use me to open hearts to hear the sound of hope this Christmas.
Song
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