Christmas time is upon us! If you walk around town, you will find Christmas lights galore being strung up alongside buildings and in yards. Christmas music is playing in just about every store and Christmas tree shops have sprung up just about everywhere! The only thing missing that would complete the makings of a classic Hallmark Christmas town is the light snow falling from the sky.
While it would be great to live our lives like it were a Hallmark Christmas movie, getting to slow down and enjoy every little moment with loved ones, that just is not the reality for a vast majority of people. If that is you, then Merry Christmas! May your days be merry and bright.
The Christmas season is a busy time for many. Whether you are busy at work wrapping up the calendar year, a student/teacher just trying to get to the break, or a retail worker, medical personnel, or another professional who will have to work throughout the holidays, the Christmas season is often the hardest time of year to slow down. Or maybe you are struggling to feel the joy of the season due to an ailment, a loss, or stress.
No matter the reason, it can be so easy to miss the joy of the season.
Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:27-31 NIV
In his day, the prophet Isaiah wrote these words as an encouragement to the Jewish people during the Babylonian exile. His words describe a Creator God with unequaled power who brings strength to the weak. A God who brings hope to a defeated people.
So are you weary? Are you extremely busy or in pain or in mourning?
God sees you. He is an ever-present loving God.
He is the God who restores strength and brings power to the weak.
He is the reason we celebrate the Christmas season.
So look to Him for strength, to bring you through.
Because He is a good and loving God and this season is a reminder of just who exactly we put our hope in. A little child, born in a manger, who will live a perfect life and yet will die on the cross for the sins of all.