I was recently out early wrapping up a workout as the sun was coming up. My thoughts were on a topic to write about for this week’s article. I typically have someone or some group in mind when I write an article. I reflected on all the people that have commented on reading my articles over the past year as well as others that may have access to the article. I know that many are going through difficult times while others are in a season of success.
With all of you in mind, I have two Christmas wishes for you.
First, I sincerely hope and pray for those of you going through hard times to know and experience the peace and comfort of Jesus as you navigate difficult circumstances. Life can be hard, uncertain, and disappointing at times. I can speak from experience that this Jesus that we celebrate on December 25th can be:
Provider: At an early age, I prayed for yards to mow, leaves to rake, and summer jobs to help meet financial needs. As an adult, I have been blessed with work opportunities that continue to meet our needs and allow us to share with others.
Guide: Growing up in a single parent’s home where my mom was committed to doing all she could to meet basic needs, I was pretty much on my own seeking wisdom on things that were important to me. I developed a solid dependence on God through prayer for guidance and direction. That dependence has never diminished over the years.
Encourager: While it would have been easy to be discouraged growing up, God provided me a drive to press on regardless of the challenge. I found encouragement in reading what He had done and was doing through others. He provided hope when others would have seen hopeless. That source of encouragement continues today.
Comforter: I routinely turned to God in prayer when there was no one to talk to on various matters. When Pam, my wife, was diagnosed with cancer not long after we were married, it was natural for me to continue turning to God for comfort, wisdom, and hope in uncertain times. I’ve never had to go searching as God was always there.
Secondly, for those of you currently experiencing good times and finding life to be full of joy and success, I sincerely pray that you would not become so comfortable that you miss the opportunity to experience the same walk with Jesus. I can share from experience that this Jesus that we celebrate on December 25th can provide:
Sensitivity/Awareness: Whether it was success on an athletic team or in a business organization, there were always opportunities with teammates and coworkers. People’s lives are messy! God has continually opened my eyes to these needs and shown me the importance of creating a culture based on valuing people beyond reaching tangible goals.
Wisdom: Success can be short-lived and turn quickly if not handled appropriately. I have prayed for wisdom continually over the years whether times were favorable or challenging. God has provided direction that has been so valuable!
Perspective: Recognizing the relative importance of issues in the moment is not a natural ability for many of us. God has provided insight into helping me in this area so many times. While many of us need perspective in challenging times, I have needed it in successful times as well. The recognition of the key drivers for success and/or significance is essential to getting back on track when circumstances change.
This Jesus that we celebrate on December 25th is more than just a baby born in a manger. He is both the hope for eternity and answer for what is needed today! My wish is that you will experience both this Christmas season!
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