I just watched a news clip about the women and orphans of Africa's Congo. How can we not give thanks that we are alive and well here in this great and free nation, despite what we may think is wrong with it? This Christmas we have life so much better than millions of oppressed people around the world. Thank you, O God, for life!
This time of year many will see a children's Christmas pageant with its unexpected and charming moments. Who among us cannot recall a childish surprise, such as the time Mary tossed Baby Jesus back into the manger as she went up to sing in the children's choir? (I can still see Baby Jesus sailing into His manger that Christmas Eve.) Or when Mary and a shepherd, brother and sister, got into a wrestling match because she corrected what he'd said. Or when a young Wise Man knelt at the manger and said, "We have brought gifts of gold, common sense and fur." Or when a three year old followed his big sister and brother to the front and recited a poem about rabbits.
Probably that first Christmas had its moments as well. An excited Joseph may have brought the wrong things, as men will do, and Mary may not have always spoken politely as she gave birth. Newborn Baby Jesus surely cried a little in that drafty stable, especially considering the task He had before Him. After such a long journey and the trials of finding a place to stay, the young couple may have given thanks they made it there alive. Surely they marvelled when the shepherds came with their story about the angels.
Our world has problems, many of them severe or even horrible, but it also has God watching over His people, offering them hope for eternal life. The violated Congolese women look forward to a good life in heaven because there is little hope for it here on earth. If your life is good, then give God thanks. If it is not, give thanks that God offers you hope for eternal joy with Him. It comes to believers because of the gift of His Only Son.
Thank you, O God, for eternal life!
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