By Shawn Carter
Pastor, Meadows of Dan Baptist Church
One cold and crisp morning I was reminded of how this time of year, can produce so many different emotions and reactions in people’s lives. It was during my daily devotion that brought back to mind how when I was a child, I looked forward to Christmas and how I looked forward to the joy that was coming in the following weeks. Now, as I work in full time ministry, I see how this time of year can be so difficult for many because of pain of death of a loved one or how the current virus impacts our life.
I want to take this time to write a message of hope and say that though you may be experiencing some difficult times, you can know that God will bring joy and peace back into your life. No matter what a person is experiencing in life, they will be able to persevere as long as they have a relationship with the Lord and cling to His words of promise.
This Christmas, some may feel there is very little to celebrate. However, no matter the gloom that covers us, we can always celebrate the love of God for us. For God so Loved us, that He sent, his only begotten Son, that we may not perish but have everlasting life and forgiveness of sins. When there is nothing else, we can rejoice in, we can lift our voice and give God praise that we have been brought into His family.
There are times when I think back into my childhood and that nostalgia brings mixed emotions. I sure do miss ripping off the wrapping paper and seeing that long anticipated toy. Yet, at the same time, I do not look forward to the regifting and the dreaded gift of neck ties. This year, I will be missing the fellowship meals and times of family trickery at those dirty Santa gift exchanges.
Many will not be able to have the huge gatherings or all the festivities of past Christmases. However, we can decide to create some new traditions, that will show our faith and love for others. Now, more than ever we need to shine the light that Jesus has given into our hearts. Look for ways to make people smile, laugh, and live better. I think the following verse embodies this thought. Hebrews 10:23-25, says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.”
Holiday seasons can cause lots of stress, by doing all the preparations, decorating, and attending all the parties. I hope we all can stop and experience the joy of simply connecting with loved ones. One of the ways we can experience a more meaningful Christmas, is simply connecting with our loved ones. Our family plans on spending time together reading God’s word and in prayer. Maybe we all need to be like Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus basking in his presence (Luke 10:38-42).
God sees all the problems in the world, including yours. And He has promised ultimately to fix them. To do this, He sent Jesus to carry out a plan to end all suffering. At Christmas, we celebrate Christ’s entrance into the world to do that. Because of what Jesus came to do, the Bible tells us that one day there will be no more tears. (Revelation 21:3-5).
Let us not focus on what we have lost during this crisis or even think on our personal failures, but let us focus on our Lord and Savior. One day, there will be no more disease, no more tragedy, no more suffering—no more death. That’s a reason for hope and celebration!
I want to leave you with a simple prayer that I found and often use to help me refocus my spiritual life on to Jesus and His plans for me. Just saying this prayer is not going to make everything change in your life, however, it will help you understand how we can have talk with God in a personal way.
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have done things that are wrong. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me the gift of eternal life with You. I give You control of my life. And I’m looking forward to the changes You’re going to make in it. When I get down during the holidays, help me to remember that someday there will be no more tears or mourning or pain because death has been defeated through You. Please allow that to give me hope to face the days ahead and help me heal from the pain of my grief and suffering.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
