Yesterday we talked about how much the world is drawn to Christmas. We have fallen into a trap of looking down on the fact that Christmas begins early, as early as September. However, I think it's awesome, because I think that it's just an example of how much the world is hungry for Christ.
We are looking at the verse in Isaiah 9:6: " For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
For most of us, Christmas is a fun time, a season of rejoicing. But for others, it can be a painful time, either from bad memories or current hurts. And yet, this season is just as much for the hurting as it is for the rejoicing. Look at the verse above . . . this season, this celebration of Christ's birth, has given us a counselor, a Prince of Peace. As difficult as this time can be, God has promised us more than this. Jeremiah 31 says " I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow (verse 13)."
The promise of the Christ is the same promise that turns our mourning into gladness. Notice that God didn't say He'll make it all better, or you'll feel better next year. He doesn't give a timetable. He simply gives Himself as a promise to comfort us. He'll turn our sorrow to joy.
If you are hurting this Christmas season, or know someone who is, don't sweep it under the rug. Through your tears you can still rejoice in the knowledge that God will comfort you. The same God who promised the Savior thousands of years ago has also promised to bring you comfort and joy. How ironic that one of our most beloved Christmas carols mimics this verse:
"God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day.
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy."
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