A thrill of hope

Some time last week, I read the lyrics of the song O Holy Night. Then I stopped at this line.

"...A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices..."

Thrill: a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement, sometimes manifested as a tremor or
tingling sensation passing through the body.

Yes. The savior's birth brought this thrill of hope! His presence caused an immediate and sudden change. There is none as influential as Him. And we rejoice today because back then the angels brought great tidings of joy which will be to all people.

But why was the world weary? Let's take a look at Matthew 11:28-29.

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Here Jesus gave an open invitation. To who? To those who are burdened by their spiritual bankruptcy and the weight of trying to save themselves by keeping the law.

Jesus came to fufill the law(Matt 5:17) and promised righteousness to everyone who believes(Romans 10:4). This meant that believing in Christ the Lord and Savior ends the sinner's futile quest for righteousness through his imperfect attempts to save himself by effort's to obey the law.

It is by God's grace, undeserved.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)