My 2023 Christmas Post

In this life, you reach a point where you’re nearly numb to death. Not the hurt or sorrow of it, but the sheer overwhelming amount of it. And, you realize that much of the world is oblivious to what you’re feeling.

Or is it?

Maybe we just mask the pain because our senses can’t comprehend the magnitude of suffering we experience between the momentary joys of our lives.

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

Matthew 1:23 (New Living Translation)

Over 2,000 years ago, in a little town called Bethlehem, a child was born in a lowly manger. This baby boy was no ordinary child. He was the light of the world, the Son of God in the flesh, who came to save the world. Jesus—Immanuel—God with us—came to take away our pain, comfort us in our sorrow, and give us hope in a broken, fallen world.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5 (New International Version)

The Christmas season reminds us that a better day awaits us. For many, it’s a time of joy. For others, it’s a difficult season because of the pain and hurt this world has wrought on them.

If you’re hurting today—know that’s okay.

Jesus isn’t asking you to fake it until you make it. Rather, Jesus is willing to receive your burdens when you are ready. He is there to comfort you. He is God with you. Healing your hurts is part of the reason He left Heaven and came to live among us.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 (English Standard Version)

Love and live well, friends. And trust in Jesus. It is in Christ—our hope and joy—our peace—is found.

Praying for you…

Merry Christmas!

Rainer Bantau

The Devotional Guy™