The Thrill of Hope: Week 2, December 2, 2018

On April 25, 2015 a huge earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck Nepal.  Thousands of structures were damaged and the death toll soared to 9,000.  The world watched in horror. 

 

Rescue personnel threw themselves at the enormous task in front of them.  They grew exhausted and discouraged as they labored hour after hour in a desperate attempt to save lives.  As hope began to fade, the cry of a baby arose from the rubble.  Responders renewed their efforts and after some 22 hours of digging, little Sonit Awal was rescued. 

 

The weary world rejoiced!

 

Photographer Amul Thapa, whose pictures captured the story, said that he prayed when he heard Sonit’s cry.  He prayed that God would help them save that baby’s life.  When Sonit was rescued, Thapa said, “When I saw the baby alive all my sorrow . . . [disappeared]. Everyone was clapping. It gave me . . . [joy] in spite of lots of pain hidden inside me.”

 

The rescue of a baby caused a weary world to rejoice.

 

That was a baby that the world came to rescue.  This Sunday I will tell you about a baby who came to rescue the world.

 

Weary world, rejoice!

 

The Thrill of Hope

“The Weary World Rejoices”

Luke 2:8-14

 

1. Because we have a story to tell

 

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people”(2:10).

 

1. It is a story of good news

 

1. It is a story of global news

 

2. Because we have a savior to trust

 

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord(2:11).

 

1. He is our incarnate savior

 

1. He is our invincible savior

 

3. Because we have a song to sing

 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased”(2:13-14).

 

1. It is a song of praise

 

1. It is a song of peace