Christmas is for survivors. Yesterday, I was reflecting on the people I know who are in crisis.
“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing consolation because they are no more.”
While Rachel was weeping for her children, God was doing something beautiful for the babies who would survive a murderous tyrant.
Unto them, and their offspring, unto us, and all of the survivors, a child is born.
“And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
As you wind down your day putting away presents and an extra piece of pie, as you hug loved ones and watch sports, play silly card games and go on adventures, remember the survivors, and that you are one too.
Pray for our Yemeni neighbors here in Hamtramck, many of whom fled the war in just the past few years. God pulled them out of that conflict because He loves them. I would say He was dying for someone to tell them about Himself but He actually, literally, already did that!
And this is what it is all about. There is suffering and calamity but God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, sent a child into the world in the midst of all of this falling apart. That through Him, we could reconnect with God, that we could be re-made into His image.
Don’t let this Christmas pass without letting this wonderful knowledge sink in.
God sees you.
God loves you.
God can meet you right where you are.
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Dear family, thank you for the Christmas message. I pray that our Lord continue to use you to bring salvation and hope for this people. A blessed 2019 to you. Love you.
Nely Shih