“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Or at least that’s what the song says. But for many, the Christmas season can unearth heartache and disappointments. The smiling faces and seemingly perfect families on Christmas cards can serve as a painful reminder of family brokenness or present loneliness.
The once joyful family gathering may be a dreaded reminder of those no longer here with us. And the Biblical promise of peace can seem like a cruel contrast to current global tumult and the advancing unbiblical agendas here at home.
We at Wisconsin Family Action feel the darkness just as deeply as you do. When we see life devalued, marriages collapse, and children suffer, we too are disheartened. But we also experience great joy and hope, for our hope rests not in our work, but in our Savior – which is why our greatest mission is share the hope of Christ. In our moments of discouragement, we remember the marvelous gift of Christ’s coming.
Peace on Earth?
The truth is, the first Christmas was far from the picture-perfect family gathering. When Mary humbly submitted herself to God’s plan for her to be the mother of the Messiah, surely she did not image giving birth in a dirty stable. And far from the peace promised, Christ’s life brought immense tumult and controversy beginning with Herod’s massacre and culminating in Christ’s cruel and shameful death.
Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there. The basis for the peace and goodwill promised at Christ’s birth is the glorious salvation that His death and resurrection provide. His purpose in coming was simple. 1 Timothy 1:15 says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” The prophecy in Isaiah 9 reveals a wonderful truth about Christ’s coming. Verse 6 says, “For unto us a Child is born.” Unto us. For us. Luke 2 records the angels’ proclamation the night of the Christ Child’s birth: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” All people. That’s Us!
Come For Us!
The salvation provided by Christ’s coming is extended to all people. He didn’t just come to meet us in our perfect Christmas card moments; He also came to share in our brokenness, to comfort us in our sorrow, and to provide hope even in the darkest moments. He came because we desperately need Him. He came for us.
And what does He promise us? That He would be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. In our confusion, He provides direction and wisdom. He is our Wonderful Counselor. In our weakness, He is the powerful Ruler over all, orchestrating the events of our lives and conquering the power death. He is our Might God. In our finitude, He is eternal, without beginning or end. He is our Everlasting Father. And in our tumult, He brings peace. Not always the external end of conflict that we might desire, but the peace of a restored relationship with God and the knowledge that He is in control over all and loves us deeply. He is our Prince of Peace.
Joy for Today
The Jews had waited for centuries for their Messiah to come. And stuck in the darkness of Roman rule, they imagined He would come as a glorious warrior King to free them from the shackles of Rome. But instead, He came as a baby. And He offered, not the external liberation they longed for, but something far, far better: internal freedom, release from the bondage of sin, and access to the greatest peace ever known. We rejoice in the wonderful truth: the salvation of the Messiah extends to us today!
If you are struggling under the weight of sorrow, disappointments, or fears this Christmas, we have good news for you! The wonderful truth is that we have a great Messiah who came to save us from our sins, provide counsel in confusion, and give us peace in our souls.
So, whether you are anticipating this Christmas with great joy or dreading it as one of the most difficult days of your year, the truth of Christ’s coming remains unchanged. Whatever need we are facing this Christmas, Jesus can meet it. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace – who came for us.
The work of Wisconsin Family Action is possible because of generous friends who partner with us financially and in prayer. If you value the work WFA does, we invite you to invest in this unique work that is all about you, your family, your faith, your freedom, and your future! As always, we welcome and covet your prayers.
