Hope for Christmas

Christmas has been called "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," and indeed it is. However, sometimes it feels like the holiday should be called "The Most Stressful Time of the Year!" We want our kids to be completely happy with their gifts. We want to host the perfect Christmas party. We want that fudge recipe (the bane of our existence) to finally turn out this year. For many others, it can be a season of  empty bank accounts or a painful reminder of loved ones whom they have lost. If this describes you, I pray that these truths of Scripture will encourage your heart:

To you who are overwhelmed, Christ was born to be your peace (Ephesians 2:13-15).
To you who are lonely, Christ was born to be your friend (John 15:12-15).
To you who are living in despair, Christ was born to be your hope (Romans 15:12).
To you who are fearful, Christ was born to care for all your needs and secure your eternity (Luke 12:29-34).
To you who are going through trials, Christ was born to be your comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
To you who are discontent, Christ was born to be your satisfaction (John 6:35).
To you who are weary, Christ was born to be your strength (Philippians 4:12-13).
To you who are depressed, Christ was born to be your joy (Luke 2:9-10).
To you who are drowning in guilt over sin, Christ was born to be your Savior (Luke 19:9-10).

 If we depend on the presents, decorations, cookies, and parties to make the season bright, we will be sadly disappointed. Christmas is wonderful because it is a time to remember Jesus Christ. A time to be amazed that God became man, dwelt among us, and fulfilled the law in our place, making Him the only One who could rescue us from our sin. There is no greater reason to celebrate than that.