Normally I am not a fan of the fall season changing-of-the-clocks. It messes with my sleep pattern for what seems like months, and really, who wants darkness in the winter before 5 p.m.? This year’s “fall-back,” though, has brought a welcome surprise. I am actually now waking before sunrise on most days…well rested and able to enjoy the peaceful hours of pre-dawn and observe the first glorious rays of the sun as it peeks through the trees and reflects on the creek below.
Today was no exception, and on this morning as I was treated to the first rays of pink and gold, the line from my favorite Christmas carol came to mind so clearly:
…a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn….
As I reflected on the familiar Christmas story, I was reminded that it is the hope behind the story that brings the greatest joy.
I love that God didn’t send his only son to be raised by earthly royalty, but… to a blue-collar worker-a carpenter, who by trade takes blank pieces of wood and crafts them into beautiful works for art or service. As for his mother, a soon to be common housewife, who humbly and lovingly spends her days looking to the needs of her family.
I love that His birth wasn’t in the cold, sterile, marble halls of a palace, but in a stable, where the sweet smell of warm hay mingled with the less desirable smells of nature …bringing him into the world as close to the common earth as it gets.
I love that in his earthly lineage, as recorded in His genealogy by Matthew, is not only nobility but a reformed pagan, Ruth, as well as a prostitute, (gasp!) Rahab…foreshadowing the redemptive power of God’s love to even the most looked-down-upon among us.
…long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared, and the soul felt it’s worth…
And finally, I love that his birth was first announced to common shepherds and not aristocrats ….that a star broke through the darkness signalling not only His birth but the greatest hope into hopelessness the world had ever seen.
Until next time, may His hope eternal bring you and yours the peace and joy found in this blessed birth.
∼Jen
Birds, Blooms and all things Beautiful 
i’m the same when it comes to the changing of the clocks. It completely throws my body clock out. Thankfully we have had the shortest day and that always lifts my spirits 🙂
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Yes, that’s true and I remembered that actually when I was writing my post!
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Love Celine’s rendition here – beautiful!
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She’s incredible!
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A wonderful Christmas message of Hope Jen! We find the same problem with daylight savings here in Aus. You just get your pattern sorted and they change it back again . I find as you do that morning glory of the earth awakening is a very beautiful and spiritual time to meditate and sit quietly with God to listen to the ‘still small voice’. A blessed and holy Christmas full of joy and hope 😊
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Yes, there is really no time like early morning when all is quiet and still. 🙂 God bless!
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Such a beautiful post! Many blessings to you and your family during this holiday season.
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Thank you Lisa, and the same to you and yours! 🙂
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Thank you, Jen! 💗
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Beautiful reminder of the season, Jenn! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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Thank you Donna, Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!!
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That is one of my favorite Carols, and Celine Dion sings it beautifully (I have her Christmas CD, old school person that I am!) Loved this post and agree with every word….Merry Christmas!
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Thank you, Merry Christmas to you also!!
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oh my-beautiful-Merry Christmas!
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Thank you Michelle, Merry Christmas to you also!!
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Hope you had a lovely Christmas Jen💕
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Thank you Darren, you as well, hugs! 🤗
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A message for any season, Jen. ❤
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Amen!!
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