Covid-19, and what it’s brought, is dreadful!
I’ve often thought that it’s good for us to attend a funeral service a few times a year because the clearer picture of life it gives us. Knowing we are not immortal, and that suffering is a regular part of this life causes us to naturally long for help and a better life. 2020 has been kind of like a continual funeral service. Loved ones have suffered, even died, as has our way of life. We cry out, “When will this end?”
Did you know that longing to be rescued from our suffering and loss is why we celebrate Christmas? The Old Testament Prophets told of a Messiah who would come and rescue God’s people. During those times, most of those in the Household of God only considered their present physical suffering under foreign rule and hoped for a King who would merely defeat their captors. But the Messiah, sent by God, was coming to deliver them from far greater oppression. He would conquer the death from our rebellious sin and its horrific curse in this life and the next.
At Jesus, the Messiah’s birth Angels announced to the shepherds,
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
In those verses, we see the words that have become synonymous with the Christmas season, Joy & Peace.
Our earthly sufferings do bring us pain and tears, but they also cause us to long for salvation and a better tomorrow in this life and the next. During the struggles of a Covid Christmas may our heads be lifted and our eyes look higher to our greatest hope – Jesus the Savior.
You Might Also Like
River Region Iron Works
The circle by which River Region Iron Works Ministry is forming has grasped the hearts andattention of men throughout the region and beyond. Iron Works was launched after its now executive director Tony Staten felt the need for men’s fellowship, and subsequently researched and observed what worked in other areas, including a men’s gathering in […]
Books to Read: Fault Lines
Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe Trouble has been brewing for some while now. Social justice warriors have taken to the streets, courtroom, and universities. Most recently, social justice has penetrated the church walls. While many applaud the social justice movement, including well-known evangelical leaders, a few are standing strong and […]
Gospel-Shaped Marriage by Chad and Emily Van Dixhoorn
I am often asked how I read so many books. My pat answer is something like this: “The more you read, the easier it gets. When you’ve read 8 books on marriage, the 9th goes really quickly.” The point is that there is a kind of sameness to Christian publishing where books tend to focus […]
