Since it is Christmas time, I thought that I would share more about the season. For many, this is a joyous time – or at least it should be. It seems that so often, “life” catches up to us and we get lost in trying to live life as we see it around us. Said a different way, it is so easy for us to live “horizontally,” seeking a life and lifestyle molded by what we see around us, rather than “vertically,” seeking how we are to live in Him.
I think that it is easy to get confused in our everyday lives because we see that some He heals and some He doesn’t, some He gives an easy life, to others very hard life. Some reading this are maybe in countries where it is even very hard to live as a Christian. Others of you are in a country – like the U.S. - where is almost too easy to be a Christian: say this prayer and go on with your life, chasing the “American dream.” So, think back to that first Christmas. Magi – or wise men - traveled from afar following a special star. But why? They were astrologers who traveled probably unknowingly but trustingly to see a baby … a baby! has to the real reason, and eventually were led to a baby, a baby! And they bowed down to Him, and gave Him gifts. How could they even know what they were doing? Yes, Matthew 2:2 indicates that they somehow knew that He was “King of the Jews.” But a baby? Somehow, they had assurance that they were doing the right thing, something special, something important. Two thousand years later, we know that that baby came to provide hope, to provide a future, to provide assurance that at some point, all will turn out well. That didn’t mean that everyone would be healed, or that everyone would have an easy life, or that during our life here, we would have perfect faith. But it did mean that if we have true faith, if we can hold out to the end no matter our circumstances, we will meet Him face-to-face and He will give us a life that not only will last for all eternity but will be a life we virtually cannot even come close to imagining, that will cause all of our hardships to disappear in a moment.
So … wherever you are whatever you are going through, whatever discouraging thoughts or weakness in faith, please take a moment to look Him in the face, let Him take your hand in His, and lead you through whatever you are going through. Let Him give you that hope that will carry you through all things, that your faith will become stronger knowing that not only He loves you, but has the absolute best life for you, now and in the future. Don’t give up ... keep looking to Him. He IS there and he WILL carry you all the way. You may not be “whole” here and now but I guarantee you will be whole and perfect when you meet Him at His chosen time. Until then, keep holding onto His hand and keep walking step by step, moment by moment in faith, knowing that He IS right there by your side, urging you to keep following and trusting … no matter what. Celebrate this Christmas remembering that we have hope for the future because two thousand years ago, He chose to give up all of His Godly characteristics, be born a human baby and become that Savior that everyone who has ever been born needs.
Merry Christmas to all!