Christmas Day...for some it is one of the most joyful times of the year and for others it is the most depressing time of the year. This day represents the coming of Jesus Christ the Son of the Most High God. I love what this holiday represents because it the beginning of our freedom in Christ and the great love he has for us! But...this holiday is also one of great sadness. There are going to be 26 empty seats tomorrow evening as families gather together for Christmas dinner in Connecticut. Families that are torn apart by divorce suffer this holiday and people are dying in wars all over the world. Why should we celebrate when there is so much pain? I don't think there is a better answer than what the angel said to the shepherds.
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David, there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11 NASB). We have a reason to rejoice in the midst of our pain and our sadness. I am not in any way saying that children's deaths, divorce, or war are not things to be sad over. However, what I am saying is this: This Christmas season, we have a reason to celebrate. It may not feel like it what with all this pain around us or having just suffered through finals week but we have the same reason to celebrate that those shepherds did. A savior has been born.
The prophet Isaiah predicted some 900 years before Christ's birth. "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on his shoulders; And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) We have a reason to celebrate. No matter what your pain, heartache, addiction, or suffering, Tomorrow we celebrate the day that Christ came to free us from that.
This Christmas season I hope you are encouraged and strengthened by Christ for another year. For those of us that are on break from school, I hope that you become well rested and ready to tackle another semester of school in a few weeks. For those of us that are suffering from the trials of this world, I hope that the Prince of Peace brings you peace. Remember, this is the good news!
Merry Christmas to all!
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