“A Thrill of Hope the Weary World Rejoices” – Perhaps for Christmas 2020, this excerpt of the classic Christmas carol, “O Holy Night,” touches our hearts in a special way this year. We are anxiously approaching the end of 2020, a challenging year for everyone across the world.  Our currently weary world is certainly looking for a thrill of hope to rejoice and celebrate. Let us look forward to Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world. From that first celebration of Christmas, it is He who brought light to the darkness of the world. 

Jesus is the Light of the World

“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12. The birth of Jesus occurred in difficult circumstances. Mary and Joseph had to travel a grueling distance and did not have a comfortable place to rest at the time of Jesus’ birth. And yet, the miracle transpired and Jesus was brought into the world as the Son of God who would sacrifice himself to bring freedom to us all. As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us renew our faith and love in God, and renew our passion to bring light to others. 

Jesus is the Human Expression of God’s Love

“The love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10. In listening to the beautiful Christmas story, we are reminded of the importance of love. We remember that Jesus is the human expression and presence of God’s love.

The story of Jesus displays to us the reach of God’s love, generosity and great compassion as he shows love for all people of all backgrounds. From saints to sinners and shepherds to kings, we are shown that all beings created by God are worthy of love. Love is the also most important part of life for it is in showing love that we are most like God. As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us find ways to show love to our family, friends, neighbors and all of humankind. Let us raise each other up and help each other through these difficult times in any way we can. 

While it may be different this year, the warmth and love that Christmas brings is still everywhere. We may have to find new ways to channel that love and share it with those around us, but it is always there for us. From all of us at The Leo House in NYC, we are sending you our love and best wishes to you for a wonderful Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

O Holy Night – 

O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
Oh night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from distant land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim