A Hopeful Rest

By: Kathy Young Deegan

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” 

~ O Holy Night, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure

This has been a heavy year.

It began close to home with the Los Angeles fires — smoke filling the sky, friends packing bags and evacuating at a moment’s notice as their communities were threatened.  Then came the steady stream of headlines we all learned to brace for: violence, earthquakes, mass shootings, political assassination. Even the recent deaths of beloved celebrities felt personal, as if pieces of our city’s spirit were being taken with them.

It was a lot to hold.

And even when we stepped away from the news, the weight didn’t disappear. Alongside the collective grief, each of us carried our own — personal losses, health struggles, workplace stress, and the list goes on and on.

Here at Be Well, that grief became especially real just two weeks ago when we said goodbye to our dear partner and therapist, Damaris Robin Martinez. We gathered to remember her, share stories, and honor the bright light she brought into our lives.

Losing Damaris in a year already marked by so much loss made something clear: many of us are not just tired — we’re weary.

In 1847, French poet Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure wrote Cantique de Noël. A decade later, it was translated into English as “O Holy Night.”by American writer John Sullivan Dwight.  One line in particular still resonates:

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices”

Written nearly 180 years ago, it captures a truth that feels especially relevant today — a world worn down, still searching for hope and light amid loss and darkness.

So how can the weary world rejoice today? Where do we find that thrill of hope in these difficult times? And more importantly, how can we finally find rest in a year that almost broke us?

The next line of the carol offers a clue:

“Fall on your knees, oh hear the Angel voices!”

Rest begins with two steps: Surrender and listen.

Letting go (falling on our knees) creates space for guidance and refreshment. In these moments, strength is restored and hope can emerge. This holiday season, let’s notice the moments of peace and strength amidst the hustle and chaos.

Where could you let go and find a moment of rest?

Which“angel voices” can guide you in this season?