Suffering and Christmas

I know a local Seminary Professor whose son just began treatment for Leukemia. Dad and son shaved their heads. Hundreds if not thousands are praying.

I know a Harvest Senior Pastor whose daughter suffered a seizure days ago and could have extensive brain damage. Her name is Hope. Dad and family are faithful, church is on their knees, hundreds if not thousands are praying.

I know widows who have lost their husbands. They are lonely, saddened, but trusting in the LORD. Many are caring for them, loving, calling, giving gifts and entertaining.

I know several families who's children have been hospitalized this week. One family who awaits a potentially difficult delivery of a baby. People are calling, praying, loving, hugging, crying, providing.

I know a friend who plans to pause Christmas Eve time with her family in order to drive back to Raleigh to chauffeur her unbelieving neighbor to church, to extend to her the hope of Christ alongside a faithful and loving community of believers.

Jesus did not promise the absence of suffering here (John 16:33). But He came to this sin and disease stricken earth to pay the price so you can enjoy heaven's peace if you place your faith in Him (1 Peter 3:18). Where suffering is no more, where every tear is wiped away by Jesus Himself, when peace on earth will finally be established, where eternal life will absolve death, disease, and decay (Revelation 7:15-17). Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor and Almighty God who makes Himself near by His grace to be the GOD OF ALL COMFORT (Isaiah 9, 1 Corinthians 1). We do not have a Savior who does not know pain, temptation, heartache, loss (Hebrews 4). He doesn't just hear our prayers, He feels them. He doesn't just observe our need for hope, He provided it. An expression of grace, joy and generosity will be under Christmas trees, in stockings, and on awakened eyes Christmas morning. Eternal hope is Jesus who's gift will never fade. Receive it. Know Him. Trust Him. Heaven will celebrate (Luke 15:7). It's why Christmas exists.