CREDIT: Jill Wellington
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Merry CHRISTmas to you. This time of year is often characterized as a time of joy. We’re almost three-quarters of the way through our season of waiting, Advent, and a week away from the big day! It also means we light the “Joy” candle. And it makes sense for those among us who’ll experience many joyful reunions with family and friends. However, some among us will not be joyous. The loss of a job is creating stress in our lives. The loss of good health is creating anxiety over the future. The loss of a loved one in the past year … or maybe several years ago … has created a gaping hole in our lives as we see the empty chair at the table. Joy in these cases is very hard, if not seemingly impossible to find. Whether you are joyful or not at the moment, I urge you to seek joy in God’s word and His promises as we light the “Joy” candle.
Hear these joyous promises. Through the words spoken by Isaiah, God promises He will bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and free the captives (Isaiah 61:1-2). Paul urges us to remember, regardless of our situation in life, to rejoice, pray and give thanks to God for His gracious presence in our lives through His Son Jesus Christ, given to us 2000 years ago, Who will return to us again (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24).
It may seem dark to some at this time of year – but, though it may not seem to be, the darkness is temporary. It may seem bright and cheery to others – but, though a taste of what’s to come, this too is temporary. Regardless of our current situation, we know this, “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24) By “it,” He refers to the “double portion … everlasting joy” (Isaiah 61:7) that is ours through faith in Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoicing in the Lord always,
Pastor Jim