The year 2020 will be remembered as a year of great distress. During this past year, we as a nation have suffered constant political turmoil, social unrest, massive fires, and the disruption and death brought on by Covid-19. On top of these national events, there have been many private tragedies in people’s lives. People have suffered sickness, lost family members, and become unemployed. It is no wonder that some cities have measured 70% increases in suicides this past year.
I share these very discouraging events as a way of reminding you that this is the type of world that Jesus was born into. No matter how beautiful paintings may make the ancient world look, the people then were like people of today. They, too, suffered depression, anxiety, fear, and the constant threat of sickness or loss. They, too, suffered under competing political claims and unexpected earthquakes, fires, and floods. They, too, longed for a better world.
This longing for a better world and recognizing that God fulfills this longing through Christ is a large part of what makes Christmas meaningful to me. Celebrating the Christmas season is not a momentary escape or distraction from the hurt and pain of this world but is a reminder of God stepping into the hurt and pain of this world. Christmas is where I am reminded that God remembers His children (He remembers you) and fulfills the promises of His faithful love. Christmas is the reminder that there is no hurt, pain, humiliation, distress, or agony that we may experience that our God does not also share. The Lord did not just enter our world; He entered our suffering and grief. This is what the Bible tells us in Isaiah 53:4, “Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” We (you) are not alone; God has come into our world to carry our griefs!
Thus, here is a spiritual exercise that I encourage you to practice this season. Just as you purchase and wrap gifts for those you love, think of giving God a gift. What do you have that God wants you to give to Him? He wants you to give Him your griefs and sorrows. In prayer, picture yourself taking whatever hurt and pain you have and then place it in a box and hand it to Jesus. “Here, Lord, are the burdens I carry.” Jesus will take this “gift” from you. Not only will he take it, but he will also, in turn, give you a gift. He gives you the gifts of joy everlasting, life eternal, the forgiveness of sins, and His Spirit poured out upon you. This is the best gift exchange you will ever experience; exchange gifts with Jesus this season. Do not horde your grief or worry but give it to Him and enjoy His gifts in return.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Trent Eastman
Concerning the Word of Life 