It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just four days away. While it’s typically associated with being merry, the reality is that many don’t feel so merry at this time of year.
For starters, this year is unique for many being separated from loved ones due to the pandemic. In addition, the holiday season is a reminder for many of the loved ones who are no longer here on this side of eternity to celebrate with, the relationships that have been strained, or unexpected life-changing circumstances. Pain and sadness are associated with these and leaves one feeling as if there is nothing to be joyful about.
For me, I’m reminded that:
Our daughter’s first Christmas left me feeling like a failure because our home was barely furnished;
The first Christmas in Texas was filled with loneliness because we were far from family at a challenging time,
There was a Christmas or two when our plans went up in smoke and our family had spent it apart from each other because illness sent a child to the hospital.
You may be wondering why I am sharing these difficult moments in the midst of this joyous season.
This is my testimony: I have experienced hopelessness. Yet, when my heart was shattered in pieces, I was reminded of one thing that has sustained me through it all: Jesus Christ is my Living Hope. 1 Timothy 4:10 states, “… we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”
As we read God’s Word, we see that hope is the strong and confident expectation that He is faithful, He is with us, and He gives us peace.
“You keep hope alive …
From the beginning to end, Your Word never fails
You keep hope alive, because You are alive
Jesus, You are alive”
(You Keep Hope Alive by Mandisa & Jon Reddick)
Praising God for the birth of our Savior, the Greatest Gift of all, is the entire reason for this season:
“Glory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth, good will to all men
Let all of the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this night”
(Hope Was Born This Night by Sidewalk Prophets)
And what a special day today is as the Star of Bethlehem will shine tonight after sunset for the first time since 1226. My friend Michelle Borckardt said it best, “The Christmas star appearing in the sky on the darkest night of the year during one of the darkest years we have seen … thank You, Jesus, for a fresh sign of HOPE and Your Light shining in the dark places!!”
My prayer is that whatever you may be feeling this Christmas, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.” (Psalm 31:24)
~Joyce
