The angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10 KJV).
During the Christmas season in 1981 as we were preparing to move from Pittsburgh back to Sandy Lake, I sat up late one night, unable to sleep, surrounded by packed boxes. It wasn’t until later that I discovered that I’d been “keeping vigil” with my friend, Frannie, whose husband passed away that night.
The following year, 1982, the mother of one of our close friends also passed away during the Christmas season. And I wondered, as I had the previous year, about God’s timing that can make life such a mixture of joy and sorrow.
Then in 1983, my father passed away on Christmas Day, surrounded by my mom, his children, grandchildren and committed hospice workers. I doubted if Christmas would ever be the same for our family again. As I talked to the One who is able to handle all our perplexing questions, I said, “God, why would you allow this to happen three years in a row―three situations where we or people we love have lost loved ones during the Christmas season, a time that’s supposed to be filled with joy?”
As I waited, I heard deep in my spirit the answer that remains with me still, “For this, you have Jesus.” Finally I understood―it was for times just such as this that Jesus came… “O tidings of comfort and joy!”
Thank you, Jesus, that whether the Christmas season brings us happiness or tears, for this we have Jesus. Amen.
I’ve posted this blog before but this year I’ve heard of so many who are grieving in this Christmas season that I felt prompted to post it again. If you are among those grieving, remember that for this you have Jesus.
(Devotional from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or Ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page. Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Leana’s Books, at Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445 or donaisy@neo.rr.com.)
