Christmas Comfort And Peace

The annual festivities for the Christmas celebration are well underway and many people will soon be travelling by various means of transportation to gather with family and loved ones on Christmas Day. Communities have decorated homes and businesses with lights which brighten the dark December days. People give gifts to one another.  This reminds us of God’s gift to us. God sent Jesus into the world as a light to those living in darkness and under the power of sin. God sent Jesus not to judge the world but to save the world through Him. 

The first Christmas brought many challenges for Mary and Joseph. Mary was in the late stage of pregnancy with Jesus and she and Joseph had to leave their home to travel to Bethlehem because a Roman ruler decided to take a census which required people to return to their place of birth to be counted. There were no buses or comfy cars in those days so walking or riding on a donkey was the method by which they travelled. In spite of the inconvenience, this couple knew that God had a plan for their lives and for the life of the baby Mary was carrying.

Perhaps this Christmas holds challenges for some of us. For various reasons we may be separated from family and friends and not looking forward to Christmas. Will we believe that God is aware of the less than perfect situation we are in? Will we trust that God has a good plan for us and that all things will work together for our good?

Prayer: Gracious God, Forgive me when I feel sad about my circumstances.  Help me to trust You and know that You have a plan and purpose for me that is being worked out. Amen. 

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