A lot of people might be saying this today as families gather and presents are opened. But sometimes the joys we’ve seen in the past stay in the past and longings we have for today aren’t fulfilled. Families are separated, loved ones have passed away, and sometimes the joy is hard to find. Illness, loss, tragedy…all can obscure our vision and dim the bright lights of Christmas. Sadness and loneliness seem to be the theme of the day rather than joy and merriment.
As I spend this Christmas away from my children, away from my grandchildren, away from all my extended family, there is a temptation to look back at past gatherings and be sad. There’s the temptation to allow the cancer that has come into my life and upended all my plans to steal my joy.
Thankfully there’s one Joy they cannot be quenched, there is one Light that cannot be dimmed. Jesus came as the light of the world. He came to bring us a joy that the world cannot take away. No amount of loss, illness, tragedy, separation, or longing unfulfilled can dim His light or quench His joy. These are the gifts of Christmas that do not fade, do not lose their value, and cannot be taken away. These are the gifts I cherish today and every day as I learn to grow ever closer to God.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
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