A Christmas Perspective

 "Open presents." "Santa comin' town." Simple words with a simple perspective on Christmas. Laurie may be 43 in chronological terms but from the time the first Christmas light appears, her anticipation level rivals any 3 year old's. 

Does she understand that Christmas isn't all about presents and Santa? Probably not but what impresses me every year is how pure her excitement is. She is not concerned about commercialism. She is not stressed over whether plans made are sufficient. She is not worried about paying off credit card bills because she overspent on gifts. 

Her wonderment is innocent. Her delight is simple. 

Every year I have to remind myself that Laurie's perspective is something to be admired. Something to be inspired by. Something to emulate. 

Jesus' entrance into this world was simple and pure, just like Laurie's perspective. Even though my focus may be on His birth, His sacrifice for my sins and His role as my Savior, being able to enjoy the season with pure joy and awe like she does is truly a gift. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given..." Isaiah 9:6

Comfort

 When someone is going through a hard time, it is common for us to pray that the Lord will comfort them. But what does that really mean? 

The word comfort means "to give strength and hope to." It seems like a big task to be able to give strength and hope when one is dealing with something so devastating. And if it were up to just us, it would be an impossible task. Thankfully, it isn't up to us. The comfort we request is the supernatural-beyond- understanding-impossibly-possible kind that can come from only one place: God's Word. 

In Greek, the word "parakletos" is used to identify the Comforter and means "to plead another's cause to one, an intecessor." It is used multiple times in the Bible in reference to the Holy Spirit. 

So go with me here on the brain train. When we pray for God to comfort someone in their trials, we are essentially calling for the Holy Spirit to intercede for them. Does this not seem appropriate when we don't know how to help the person? When there seems to be no words? 

So as much as we would love to give comfort in words or actions, the only true comfort has to come from the Holy Spirit. It must come from the only one who understands our suffering and intercedes for us. It comes from the one who is all powerful and not from our own strength and hope. Thank you Jesus!

Isaiah 49:13 "... For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering."