Christian Reflection and Prayer

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light
has shined. - Isaiah 9:2

There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful
than any darkness may encounter. We sometimes lose
sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain.
then suddenly the spirit will emerge through the lives of
ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary
ways.
-Mother Teresa

Prayer

God, thank you for giving us light in the darkness. Do not
let us lose sight of this mysterious power. As we have
been given hope in the midst of our suffering, may we too
offer hope and light to those who only see darkness. Amen.

Read James 5:10-11.
As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the
prophets who spoke in the Name of the Lord. James 5:10

It was always about this point in December when I just knew
I was going to crack under all the pressure. Christmas is still
a whole week away. Seven more days I have to be kind and
courteous. Seven more days of not hitting my brothers even
though they are really annoying me. And, of course, seven
more days of trying to concentrate enough to finish school
while remembering every line from the Christmas program!
And if I crack and do something bad there's a good chance
I'll find a lump of coal in my stocking and no presents under
the tree.

It's a terrible strain to be a kid seven days before Christmas!

Growing up doesn't remove the impatience from life,
especially when we are suffering. And many people find the
Christmas season actually seems to increase their suffering.
These issues include sickness, depression, grief, and being
misunderstood by the people we care about.

That's what happened to the prophets who spoke in God's
Name before Christ came into this world. They warned the
people of their sins, and they called them to turn and repent.
But the people of Israel didn't want to hear what they had to
say. They rejected God's messengers, mistreating them,
beating them, imprisoning them, and even putting some of
them to death.

Still the prophets faithfully warned the people about God's
coming wrath and punishment. But Israel continued its
stubborn rebellion. The prophets kept preaching and nothing
happened. Days turned into months, months turned into
years, and yet sinners kept on sinning and everything
remained the same. The prophets were ridiculed because
their message didn't seem to be coming true.

But the prophets learned patience. Though they suffered
they knew God was true. When His time was right, all their
prophecies would come true-both the warnings God had
given in patience and the promises of a Savior God had
made in love for His people.

We can learn from their patience. Through Jesus' life, death,
and resurrection, God has given us many great promises.
These include a final victory over sin, death, and hell and an
eternal life with Him in the new heavens and the new earth.
Christmas is a great reminder of God's faithfulness. He
keeps every promise He makes.

God grant you patience through your sufferings, especially
this Christmas.

THE PRAYER:

 Lord God, Your Word stands sure and certain forever. Let
me never be discouraged but give me faith, confidence, and
perseverance to always stand secure and certain in Your
promises through Jesus Christ my Savior. In His Name I
pray. Amen

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

Read James 5:7-9.
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. ...
Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
James 5:7a, 8

My favorite Christmas cookies growing up were made of
molasses and sugar. We called them "animal cookies"
because we shaped them with animal-shaped cookie cutters.
The worst part of making animal cookies is that once you
mixed up the dough, it had to sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Talk about a test of patience!

As a child, impatience seemed to go hand in hand with
Christmas. It seemed like that great, wonderful, magical day
would never, ever come.

There is a far greater day coming, however. It's that ultimate
Christmas when Jesus Christ will return to this world with all
His angels. He will raise all the dead and judge between those
who believed during their earthly lives, and those who did not.
For us who believe, Jesus will remove every source of evil, pain,
and suffering as He renews His creation and makes it perfect.
Then we will enjoy perfect health, perfect relationships, and a
perfect life forever.

How can we wait for that wonderful day? In today's reading
James tells us to establish our hearts. He means for us to
strengthen our hearts with the certainty of His coming just as
He promised. When our hearts are established the problems
of this life simply don't loom as large because we can clearly
see our God is bigger and stronger than anything we face.

How do you establish your heart? Gather for worship with
your church family. There you will be reminded of Christ's
promises. There your Baptism will be renewed as you confess
your sins and as the Holy Spirit reassures you through the
pastor that those sins are forgiven. There you will receive the
very body and blood that Jesus sacrificed for us on the cross.
And there the Spirit of God will establish your faith and keep
you until that final day. Then you will know a peace and
confidence as all your problems shrink back to their true size,
easily managed by our God and Savior.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You have promised to return to this world to make
all things right and perfect forever. Establish my heart in Your
promise so that none of the problems I face will shake my trust
and confidence in You. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)