Hymns of Hope: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Written in 1849 by Edmund Sears, the words of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" is one of the few Christmas hymns that does not actually mention the birth of Christ. Instead, this song focuses on the good news that the angels brought that first Christmas morn. After appearing to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem, the angels sang of the glory of God and the peace that is ours in Christ. In the fields that night, the song of the angels rang out, piercing the darkness and declaring the arrival of the long-awaited Savior. Hope had come at last.
It came upon a midnight ...
Megan’s Story
Andy and I were surprised to find I was pregnant shortly after our sixth wedding anniversary, as I completed my third year of medical school. We had planned to wait to start a family until after I completed residency so I could stay home part time. God apparently had different plans! I initially struggled with feeling excited due to the unanticipated timing and intense nausea and vomiting which lasted into the third trimester. But eventually, I adored being pregnant with our active baby.
I developed cholestasis of pregnancy at 33 weeks, and in the course of extra ...
Moria’s Retreat Experience
75 moms traveled from all over the world to come to the Hope Mommies retreat — A Song In The Night. 75 moms came here with broken hearts in search of connecting with other moms who have walked a similar journey. It was a spirit-filled weekend of healing, worship, prayer, and intimacy.
I listened to so many mothers share stories of their babies in heaven. I’ve seen their photos, I’ve heard their names, and I’ve honored their stories. I, also, shared my son Noah’s story. I’ve shared his photo, I’ve said his name, and I’ve honored his story.
At first, I ...
Beyond the Grave
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
-Psalm 16:10
A cool breeze blew this morning as I sat on my back porch with a friend and listened to her pour her heart out about her adult children and the trials they are experiencing. Our mama hearts hurt together but we encouraged each other to keep trusting the Lord and talked about His faithfulness even in the trials.
As a Hope Mommy, I have often been told to rejoice because my child is in heaven.
And I do.
And I hurt because my child is not with me here on earth. I ...
My Song in the Night
Welcome to Hope Mommies In the Word devotionals. Over the next few weeks, we will be meditating on Psalm 77 together. As we study these truths together, we’d love you to use the comments as a place to dialogue with us about what you are learning and share your answers to the questions below. We pray that you hearts will be encouraged as you dig into God's Word each week with us!
“I consider the days of old, the years long ago.” Psalm 77:5
READ:
“Yesterday everything was perfect, everything was fine…” The abruptness of trauma can leave us reeling. There ...
Hymns of Hope: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Originally written by Charles Wesley in 1739, the hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” draws its inspiration from the second chapter of Luke.
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who ...
A Hopeful Waiting
I have lived two Christmases in the shadow of loss. First we lost our son during birth on his due date at the end of October. With two healthy toddlers, I couldn’t just skip that holiday season. Then six years later, with three growing boys at home, we were surprised with another pregnancy and almost as quickly learned we would lose it. Our baby went to heaven during the end of September.
My natural reaction would have been to hold my breath until the holiday season was over. What was there in joy and festivity for me? I was grieving—how could I hang lights, ...
Moria’s Story
In 2018, my husband, Brian and I had been trying to get pregnant for almost three years. Shortly after, we realized Brian had a low sperm count and he started infertility treatments called Clomid. He had only been using Clomid for two or three months when we realized that we needed to get off of it.
I remember laying on the bathroom floor on my knees, surrendering to God and His timing. "Lord, you know our hearts desire to be parents. If You allow us that opportunity, we will raise this child to know You".
Only a few months later, we found out we were pregnant—and we ...
Hymns of Hope: O Holy Night
The world had long been groaning under the curse of sin. Generation after generation pining for the Messiah that had been promised on that fateful day long ago when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and death spread to all mankind. But this night was not like all the others before it. For on this night a thrill of hope pierced through the darkness and broke forth into a new and glorious day. Weary souls rejoiced on the night when Christ was born.
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shiningIt is the night of the dear Savior's birth!Long lay the world in sin and error ...
Of Change and Presence
I’m gazing out at my backyard. It is covered in green leaves that will soon be changing color for the fall. Everything here is new to me. This house. The yard. The furniture arrangement. The smells. The look. The colors. A cross-country move will have that effect. The terrain is different—more moisture here, more greenery, more Up North in feel.
And here I sit, pondering what glory will be like. Will it all smell fresh and new? What will the new earth be like? How long I can ponder such questions! God hasn’t given us very much to know about the new earth. My guess ...
