(Amy Tilley, a Just Just Ministries, Inc. Board Member, leads the Contemporary Worship Service at First Christian Church in Sedalia, MO.)
Early childhood memories of lying in bed on Christmas Eve, listening intently for the sound of reindeer on the roof— the excitement of what I knew was to come the next day kept me from sleeping. These anticipation-filled nights are perhaps my first recollection of being absolutely thrilled with hope. Our church’s theme for the advent season, “A Thrill of Hope”, is a phrase from the song, “O Holy Night.”. Of course, it is referring to the thrilling hope found only in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Gift-Giver. Lately, I’ve done much thinking about this phrase as I’ve prepared for corporate worship. What does the thrill of hope look like? Do I experience hope that is thrilling? Do you know the thrill of hope?
I’ve experienced hope in many ways, but some of my favorite times have occurred on mission trips. I absolutely love when things happen that only God can do.
On a teachers mission trip to Mexico, I saw God turn an offering of teachers, their ideas and resources into a workshop that encouraged both those leading and those seeking help. Those who went offering hope and encouragement came away with more than they gave. Only God can put together a group of people that speak different languages, have vastly different life-experiences, and unite them for His purpose. Absolutely thrilling.
Kiev, Ukraine is another thrilling mental snapshot. We were a group of worship leaders who had traveled to encourage mission partners in their work. I remember being moved to tears as we worshiped at the tent church with a crowd communicating through translators, God’s handiwork was illuminated in our team’s sight. WE were the ones encouraged by those God put in our path. It was OUR faith that was both challenged and strengthened. It was OUR hope that was renewed. Thrilling? You bet.
This past summer I participated in a community mission project with Christians from all denominations coming together to love on people. That day, I found myself on my knees in a flowerbed working with someone I did not know well but who I saw weekly at church. As we worked together, weeding, planting, and cleaning, we shared our journeys with each other. Our project yielded a restored garden and I was reminded of how only God could have put the two of us together that day, had us literally on our knees for others, and not only restored some pretty plants, but filled my heart with hope. Definitely an unexpected thrill.
Sometimes the thrill of hope is experienced at what may seem to be an unlikely time. After recently singing at my sweet mother-in-law’s funeral, someone commented to me that they just didn’t know how I was able to sing at such an emotion-packed time. The truth is, I am NOT able to. It is only by God’s divine intervention that the huge knot in my throat miraculously disappears during the intro to a song. He has done it for me so many times that I actually have begun to eagerly anticipate this experience which is faith-boosting, empowering and, and yes, weirdly thrilling. It’s an unforgettable reminder that He is faithful, He is trustworthy, and absolutely “share”worthy.
As we experience this Advent Season, may we each discover renewed hope. May we be reminded that we are ALWAYS “on mission”. Remembering and writing of each of these “thrills” has in itself been encouraging to me. I’m thinking it’s a type of practice like what God has repeatedly instructed His people to do from the very beginning: Stop. Remember. Worship. Share.
This Advent season, choose to practice your faith. Stop. Remember. Worship. Share. Experience the HOPE of Jesus Christ. It is BEYOND thrilling!
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
