“I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10
The Christmas season is when we take time to remember the birth of Emmanuel – “God with us.” God decided to dwell with us, teach us, suffer with us, and then finally, redeem us for the asking. Then we are saved for all eternity. What a joyful time to celebrate!
But as we know, Christmastime can be a difficult season. Not a few may wish that they had more resources for generous gift giving. But let’s not forget that our true loved ones will be understanding. A simple phone call to wish them a Merry Christmas goes a long way, probably even further than a material gift.
And what often makes Christmastime difficult is when we think of those loved ones and friends whom we have lost—ones with whom we celebrated many Christmases. The memories of those special times put a warm feeling inside us. At the same time, we miss them immensely. Or perhaps we are wishing we could just be with that “special someone.”
There is a Comfort
When we are feeling these emotions, there is nothing in the world like having a church family in the present. We may not have much money. Friends and loved ones to celebrate with may note be present. But we can take consolation in the fact that church family members are Christmas gifts from God to comfort us in what otherwise would be a time of feeling alone.
So let’s celebrate the fact that we have a church family to be with this Christmas 2024! And let us worship “the Baby Jesus” together, all the while knowing that He is no longer a baby, but He is the Lord of Lords, our coming King, and the one who will give us the victory in good times, difficult times, and in eternity!
There was the First Advent, which we are celebrating in this season. But we are also looking forward to the Second Advent, and what a Day of rejoicing that will be!
Merry Christmas and many blessings as you follow Jesus in the New Year!
