By Bradley Robertson

I have loved this line from ‘Oh Holy Night’ for so long. In fact, I enjoy it so much, I used it as the greeting on our family Christmas card a few years ago.

My wild and dreamy mind quickly pictures “the thrill of hope” as something exciting and sparkly. And to see a “weary world rejoicing”, well wouldn’t that just be lovely?

Some of us today have a steady feeling of hope and encouragement and at the same time, some of us simply do not. Whatever the circumstances, a weary world exists right alongside a hopeful one. And whichever direction you fall, it can change in a blink.

I am seeing a little bit more weariness this season than usual, or perhaps I’m seeing it more clearly. I know more people personally this year that have seen pain and suffering in a way they never imagined. I also know that even the most faithful of people, can still feel hopeless.

I have learned that what gets us through the weariness is the hope and confidence of others. It’s having someone show up on our behalf. We can feel completely hopeless, but when another person offers their “thrill of hope” we are able to cling to what we have lost. And even if it only lasts a day or even a few hours, it is still something to hold onto.

A thrill of hope offered to someone, could be the one, tiny glimmer that keeps them moving forward. It’s the sharing and giving of what one person has and passing it on to hold up another.

It goes like this: “Hi! I’m Karen, I have a basket full of hope! Would you like to have some hope too?”

Who can say no to that?

Last night, I took a simple pot of soup to a woman I know who is going down a road she never asked for or imagined. It wasn’t much but it was sincere. I cannot take away her pain or burden, but I can serve up a glimmer of hope. Hope in the form of soup. Just showing up.

If today you are feeling filled with hope, please find someone to pass it along to. Find a way to package up that HOPE and share it with someone who needs it. The weary are all around us, and if we don’t show up for them, then who will?

And if you are someone who needs hope today, please reach out to someone you trust and let them know. Speak your weary into words. For I guarantee, someone is there to HOPE you forward.

BONUS: I got you a RECIPE!

If you are wanting to serve up some soup as your HOPE to another, this is easy and delicious. OR, serve it up for your family, they can always use a little hopeful soup too!

Easy Vegetable Soup:

  • 1-2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 pkg frozen soup veggies
  • 64 oz (2qts) Original V8 juice

Brown meat in large stove pot. Add in diced onion. Let simmer 15 minutes. Add in all V8 juice and frozen veggies. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Add salt to taste. Serve or Share!