As I sit here this Christmas Eve, trying to work on an assignment for school, I can't seem to focus (shocking, I know). My mind is overwhelmed with those who are hurting. I am thinking and praying for those who have lost loved ones, who are enduring a divorce, those who are struggling with depression, children with illnesses, those who have lost their jobs, I could go on....
It saddens me and makes me think about Christmas and what we have made of it. We assume that Christmas is supposed to be a joyful and exciting time, one filled with lights, tinsel, and presents. We assume that we should be filled with happiness, contentment, and that our bellies should be full too. We put so much emphasis on the unimportant things. We assume that Christmas is all about the joyful!
Although I do have joy, contentment, and peace, because of the greatest gift, I still hurt for the hurting.
But here is the key I think we miss...this is WHY he came! He came for the hurting, he came to save us, to deliver us, to give us hope, and to give us peace! He came to give hope to those struggling with the loss of their loved one, that they WILL see them again. He came to give hope to those struggling with depression, that there is hope of a better place than this cold dark world. He came to give peace to the ones who are struggling with divorce, with an ill child or parent, and those who have lost jobs. He is the GREAT provider and he always takes care of those who love him!
So, you may be struggling with finding that "Christmas joy" that others speak of, but remember God came to this Earth as a tiny baby, for YOU! You may be hurting, but he is right there with you. He came and was born in a manger, I think to remind us that he is there in the bleakest and humbling of circumstances.
He loves you! And he wants you to celebrate his birth, because he came for you!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! May you find peace and hope in the one who came to save us!