A Thrill of HopeSample

Imagine waking up as a child on Christmas morning, eyes wide with anticipation, heart racing as you run to the tree to unwrap the gift you’ve been longing for. There’s eagerness, wonder, and trust in that moment: a posture of joy and expectation. The gospel invites us into that same posture. We are called to come, not with pride or obligation, but with humility and open hands, ready to receive the greatest gift of all: Jesus Himself.

On Christmas Day, we celebrate the astonishing truth that “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14, ESV). The eternal God who spoke the world into being stepped into our story—not as a mighty king, but as a baby in a manger. Heaven touched earth, and the invisible became visible. The Creator drew near to His creation, entering our darkness, our routines, our struggles and our longings, to call us His own.

This gift brings more than forgiveness; it brings adoption. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 ESV).

Through the Holy Spirit, this gift is unwrapped in our hearts, showing us that Jesus came to bring us home into the Father’s family. Our fears, weariness, and sense of unworthiness are met by His tender embrace and steadfast love.

Like a child running to the tree, you are invited to run to Jesus today, to unwrap the wonder of His grace, and treasure Him above all else. The gift is already given. Joy comes as you receive it, letting the Spirit reveal the beauty of belonging, grace, and adoption through Jesus.

Today, ponder this: How will you receive Jesus this Christmas? Will you come with humility and wonder, letting the Spirit turn your awe into worship and your longing into joy?