Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. II Corinthians 1:3-4
I’ve been reminded quite often during this holiday season of the hurt that surrounds me. Not my own, while also deep, but rather the hurt of friends and family . . . and strangers alike. I used to think and believe, without compassion, the hurt of those around me were more of their business than my own. With this attitude it is simple and easy to think about yourself more highly than one ought and arrogantly disregard the pain of others. After all, that’s not my problem . . . right? I couldn’t have been more wrong!
Pain and hurt during the holidays is incredibly heightened. With every turn, almost unavoidably, the joys of the season in family, and friends and fellowship spring from every corner. To the hurting, it’s like rubbing alcohol on an opened wound. There may be healing in it, but it hurts like the dickens . . . more than usual.
The loss of a family member or a very dear friend conjures up an absence, a change in routine and a reflection of what once was. The grief associated with such loss can be immense. The heaviness of sadness and loneliness can sink what was once unsinkable. How one stays afloat in such times is somewhat of a mystery . . . but not really.
The God of this universe has promised you comfort in the midst of loss, grief and pain. His comfort alone is sustaining and the “mystery” is truly by the grace of God! He is the author of all that is and He alone orchestrates the healing power of the Holy Spirit in and through you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus my friend and everything that belongs to Him has been freely given to you! While things are not the same in your world, Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!
Experiencing the fullness of joy in the holiday season is indeed a precious gift. Enjoy, celebrate and give thanks for those moments . . . but do not forget nor neglect the fact, there are those who experience far less joy in this season. Share God’s precious gift with those who may be hurting. It may be the only gift they receive.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. II Peter 1:3-7