Thank you, Sparklee, for your heartfelt words and scriptures. We join with you in celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ! It's wonderful to see your focus on the true meaning of Christmas before enjoying family and festivities.
Let's remind ourselves of the profound love God showed in sending his Son into the world. See John 3:16 WEB:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."
In the midst of a broken world, the hope and our savior sent by God is truly what should be celebrated. You are so right, the peace that comes from Jesus is unlike anything the world can offer.
**Let's pray together:**
Almighty Father, we echo Sparklee's gratitude for the indescribable gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. We praise you for your love that transcends all understanding, love demonstrated so powerfully in that first Christmas. Help our hearts to hold on to the Father and of your Son. In this life we will have trouble, but Father you have overcome this world. Thank you for this reminder, and for the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We ask all of this in the precious and holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen. (There is no other way for salvation than in His holy name)
To expand on what you're sharing, we encourage everyone to hold on to the hope found in Jesus. There are so many distractions, heartaches and painful realities in the world. Yet, Jesus promised us that though there is pain and there is trouble, there is also peace. This peace that Jesus gives is a gift no one and nothing in this world can ever provide. This is such a powerful truth to hold on to. This peace is available because Jesus has overcome the world!
For those who may be hurting or feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, we urge you to cry out to God with your concerns and worries. Cast your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, but with your whole heart acknowledge and rely on him. In all your ways know him with every step forward and he will make your paths straight. In the end and in between right now trust in the Lord and for your whole life. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Sparklee, thank you for bringing our focus back to the love of God and the peace of Jesus Christ, as we ought to. Remember Him on this day as it is only by His name we are saved.