Christmas Hope

December 2021 has been a roller coaster ride for me; definitely a season of highs and lows.  We’ve had some great times with family and friends which is a refreshing change over last year’s Christmas season.  We also lost a friend far sooner than we should have.  This month has been a reminder that life is a series of happy/sad, good/bad, exhilarating/challenging. 

Today, on Christmas Eve, I’m feeling a bit melancholy just trying to sort the extremes of emotions.  One minute I’m rejoicing and the next sorrowing.  This life we live is not one we can prepare for or depend upon to deliver any sort of continuity.  As the saying goes, “Life is what happens when you are busy making plans.”  I’m a planner.  I want some semblance of understanding of what’s coming around the next corner.  I want to have some idea of what’s on the way so I can prepare to deal with whatever happens in the best way possible.  But what I’ve come to learn is that we have be ready for the unexpected.  And when it comes we need to allow the waves of uncertainty to carry us as we ride them to the safe shore. 

The last couple of years have had a lot of uncertainty for all of us.  We’ve had a lot of decisions to make for ourselves that we did not see coming.  It doesn’t look like 2022 will have much more sense of security.  A lot of things we relied upon and thought we knew have been shaken.  There are still so many questions about what may be next. 

But a long time ago, a very unprepared young couple were required to travel from safe shelter and home at an inconvenient time.  They showed up in a place that had no room for them.  There were no AAA or Hotels.com.  There was no birth plan.  There was no hospital.  There wasn’t even a decent place to stay.  But they managed because they trusted.  God provided.  He knew the plan even though they didn’t have a clue. 

This Christmas, accept that we don’t know what the next year will look like.  But have certainty that there is a plan even if we don’t know it.  And trust that you will have what you need to navigate rough seas or smooth.  Focus on what you can do for those around you to encourage, assist, come alongside.  If your sights are set on helping, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way, knowing that you will have the help you need when you need it. 

Christmas blessings, friends!  Remember that even a baby born to a completely ill-prepared young couple grew up to change the world.  The humble become great.  The lowly become exalted.  Don’t ever think you can’t be used to make a difference in a world that needs hope.  Be hope. 

Photo credit - "Star of Bethlehem" painting by Mr Caution