Merry Christmas! A Weary World Rejoices!

Merry Christmas, friends! I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful day celebrating the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. But perhaps you’re not celebrating with family today…

Maybe you’ve been struggling this holiday season with your head held low, merely wishing the days away. Maybe this year you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, a job, a home, or a dream, and no matter how hard you try you can’t seem to forget about it. I can relate, because that’s how I’ve felt this year. As I think back to my Christmas memories of the past, I can’t help but feel saddened since so many of my loved ones are no longer here to celebrate with us. And in a sea of nativity scenes and Christmas programs highlighting the birth of Jesus, I can’t help but shed tears knowing that another year has gone by that my husband and I haven’t conceived.

But then…I think about the true reason of Christmas. Christmas isn’t about gifts, holiday decorations, food or even family gatherings.

It’s about a world shadowed for years in darkness, a people pleading with God for deliverance, anxiously awaiting a Messiah. Then one precious night…He appears. Jesus Christ, our savior, is born! You see, Christmas is about a promise fulfilled. It’s about hope. It’s about Jesus shining His light into our darkness.

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When I think about the real reason we celebrate Christmas, I can’t help but feel joy rising up in my soul. In the words of my favorite Christmas hymn, O Holy Night, “a thrill of hope the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new glorious morn.” Do you feel weary today? It is my prayer that you will experience the hope, joy and peace of God in your heart not only today on Christmas, but every day. Remember that no matter how you may feel today, there is hope in Jesus, and a new day lies ahead.

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”