The Christmas season can be such a joyous time, but it can also be very difficult, especially for those who are suffering or for those who have lost loved ones. As a friend shared yesterday, “Life is fragile.” There’s so much hurt, pain, and brokenness in this world. None of us are immune. Yesterday a beautiful wife and mother of 4 passed away. She was just 44. I didn’t personally know her, but I have friends who did. And they are heart broken. From what I’ve heard, she was an amazing Godly woman. I don’t understand why things like this happen. I don’t have the answers. I don’t have the words. I wish I did.

I might not know the why—but I know the Who.

When I don’t know what to say or do, I go back to the One Who does.

 I go back to Him.

Makes me think of the passage in John 6 where Jesus shared a hard word and several disciples left and no longer followed Him. Sometimes it’s easier to walk away when life gets too hard. 

So Jesus turned and asked the twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.” John 6:66-68

Peter got a lot wrong, but he got that one right. Jesus Christ WAS and IS the Holy One of God. He has the words of eternal life.

Today, I want to share some verses with those who are hurting during the holiday season. For those who are having a hard time understanding the why’s of life right now. I am praying for you. Praying that His eternal truth will wash over you like healing balm as you put your hope in Him.

 

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22-25

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”  1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:19-22

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and temporary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our troubles. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

 Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.  Now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:6-7

Instead, they were longing for a better country–a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 1:1-4

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

 

Finally, as you read this powerful passage from Romans 8, picture the shepherds gazing at the face of the infant King that sacred holy night. Think of the wise men kneeling before the Lord of Lord’s with their valuable gifts. Now picture YOU standing there amidst the animals and hay. Look into the manger and behold the Baby God. The One who came to turn the whole world upside down so He could turn your whole life inside out. The One who was wrapped in swaddling cloths so He could wrap you in His love and never ever let you go. 

 

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? 

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39

Lord, to whom would we go?

You are our Hope of Glory!