I love this time of year, but if we’re not careful sometimes we tend to let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season overtake the quiet moments with family. We run ourselves ragged buying, wrapping and cooking and forget to appreciate those we love the most.

One of my favorite songs is O Holy Night. Martina McBride is one of many artists who make that song come alive. The high notes and melody get me every time, but nothing grabs my attention more than the line, “The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices”.

I don’t know about you, but my days wear me out. Daily details and drama seem in sneak in, and I find myself exhausted. I need that thrill of hope, that rejuvenation that comes from knowing that our Savior was born and did die and he did it for us. I love the fact that a new year means new beginnings.

I hope in this busy time that we will stop and take the time to rejoice even amidst the chaos that looms so near. May we never forget that we have much to be joyful for.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4 ESV).

–by Paula Harrington