THRILL of HOPE - Day 9

“The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices…..”

What could it of been that Mary was thinking about as she rode a donkey at basically 40 weeks pregnant?  Joseph trying to take care of her in a much less than luxurious situation.  They must have had such excitement and probably a lot of worries.  They were given the privilege of bringing Jesus on the scene.  In the darkness, they were bringing light into that city.  They were walking in to bring forth hope while the places were full of those seeking rest.  Joseph, Mary, and a donkey had the assignment to carry Jesus so He is revealed.  Hope was to be deposited.  

It was with an unknown couple, on a lowly animal, in a distant town, at an uncelebrated time, that the revelation of Father would come into the earth.  It’s an important reminder in a Hollywood, YouTube, and “went viral” culture that it is not about mass appeal or being a celebrity that hope is deposited.  It’s those like you and me that are basically unknown and with a minimal degree of influence.  We tend to be those that don’t always have the slickest, most trendy abilities (kinda like a donkey), and yet we are the sons and daughters hope is carried through.  It seems that there is significance in being able to be right in the midst of those seeking rest instead of being lofty and flashy.  Hope deals with the real.  Hope isn’t photoshopped.  Hope isn’t virtual.  Hope is in the dark, in the midst, in the smelly, in the outcast place. 

Hope goes into the ashes so it can bring forth beauty.  It goes into the mourning so a new song emerges.  Those of us in the “ordinary”, everyday places are the very ones carrying hope for those around us seeking rest.  We are the moms, the dads, the friends, the husband, the wife, the boss, the co-worker, the pastor, the farmer, the coach, the artist, the songwriter, the carpenter, the mechanic, the neighbor that Jesus is coming through so light can shine in the midst of night.  

I’d like to think Mary was thinking what most of us think, “I can’t believe I’m the one for this”.  And like Mary, go on and do it rather you ever become known on social media or are on big platforms.  Reveal hope to the one right next to you.  You’re part of His glory shining.  Enjoy!