Christian Reflection and Prayer

Read Matthew 11:2-6.
Jesus replied, "Tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive
sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the
dead are raised and good news is preached to the poor. Blessed
is he who is not offended by Me." Matthew 11:4-5

One of my Dad's worst Christmases was in 1976. On the 21st of
December he was on a step-ladder at church, trying to close a
window that was stuck open. As he tugged on the window the
ladder gave way; he smashed into the wall fracturing his shoulder
in three places and cutting a deep gash into his shin. He spent
that Christmas in agony sitting day and night in a chair in the living
room, waiting for his shoulder to heal.

Do circumstances in your life ever steal away the joy of your
Christmas? Do they raise doubts in your mind about the Child of
Christmas-if He is really God's Son? Do you ever wonder why there
is still so much suffering in our lives and in our world if Jesus came
to save the world? This Christmas many of you will find or still find
yourself unemployed. Others have lost loved ones whose absence
is keenly felt this time of year. Some have lost marriages. Some
may even be facing the prospect that this will be their last
Christmas on earth.

Similar thoughts darkened John the Baptist's mind. He was locked
in a dungeon because he had done exactly what the Lord
commanded him to do: he had warned the wicked ruler Herod
Antipas to repent. Like the prophets before him, he preached of
 judgment, but now John was the only one facing the judgment!
There in the dark, gloomy dungeon John couldn't see Jesus very
clearly. He sent word to ask if Jesus was the One or should the
people of Israel be looking for another.

Jesus reminded John of the very things He came into this world
to do: giving sight to the blind, restoring the lame and the
paralyzed, cleansing those with leprosy, restoring hearing to the
deaf, raising the dead, and preaching good news to the poor. All
of these were signs to prove Jesus was God's Son. And at the
same time they pointed ahead to the future when Jesus Christ
will raise all the dead and change every living believer to enjoy
perfect health in a perfect creation in God's wonderful presence
forever.

The Child of Christmas is here to comfort and help you through
all your struggles, your doubts, your darkness, and your pain.
He knows how hard it is when you are misunderstood, judged,
and condemned. He was nailed to the cross because of the
jealous rage of His enemies. But He rose again on the third day
to remind us that God is the victor, and through faith in Jesus
Christ, God will share that great victory with each of us.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, in those times when my spirit is in the darkness
of despair lift me up. Forgive my sins, restore my joy, and
strengthen my faith and trust in You. Give me patience until
You bring relief. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)

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)