This year has not been easy and so it stands to reason that these holidays will not be easy. Our family has suffered a tragic loss and we will suffer all the hurt and misery that come with an empty chair at this time of year. There are no answers for our questions and while there seems to be no release from our grief we know that one way or another we will survive this Christmas and we will see a better one next year, Lord willing.

In light of this I’m reminded that Jesus birth brought not only peace and joy but also pain and suffering. We’re quick to remember shepherds amazed and wise men worshipping, but there was also “Rachel weeping for her children” and an old man promising Mary a sword would pierce her soul too. While Immanuel brings life and light not every one will choose to open that gift. Unconditional love will not be the norm but it will be the mark of those who worship this child.

Good and bad, right and wrong, joy and suffering, peace and unrest, they all mark our world. Jesus came to bring light and life and so he did, but we still live in a fallen world that hasn’t quite been redeemed. We accept the good and bad and look forward to the day when we will be seen for what we really are, the sons of God, and live in a place where there are no more tears.