A Sufferer’s Holiday

I was reminded yesterday that not everyone is happily celebrating the holiday season this year. A friend shared her tears and pain at the loss of a loved one that is dearly missed this year. My heart broke for her as she courageously tried to find some joy, but the sadness was too much for her.

In the Grief Share program “Surviving the Holidays,” one of the counselors reminds us that Jesus came into the world to end sin and death. Those two things cause so much suffering and heartache, but His birth is a reminder of the promise of God to send a Savior that would conquer both. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

He goes on to say that because of that, Christmas should be called the Sufferer’s Holiday. A holiday that reminds us of the hope and joy that we have to look forward to and the promise of God that as believers we will see our loved ones again.

As you go about your holiday plans please take a moment to pray for those who are suffering. Let them know that they are not forgotten and give them the hope they need to make it through.

Be Intentional about loving and encouraging others this holiday season.

Praises & Prayers

Father, thank you for the comfort You have given to us and I pray that we will comfort others. Thank you for the hope and joy of eternity that we have to look forward to and help us to share that hope with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

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.