Joy at Christmas for many is very difficult. I know that for me personally Christmas is bitter-sweet. 22 years ago on Christmas Eve my brother Nathan passed away due to complications from Leukemia. I will never forget that day or that Christmas in 1993. The bitterness of that day will always have an impact on Christmas for me.
However the sweet of Christmas is much more overwhelming than the bitter and I am so thankful. Psalm 98:4 says, "Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy." There is much in my life for me to "break out in praise and joy," I know have an amazing wife and 5 incredible children that I get to celebrate Christmas with this year. But more importantly than that is what Christmas is really all about, Jesus. Because Jesus came to earth as a baby and than grew to be a man who willingly laid down His life for mine and for the whole world, I know that I will see my brother again. Nathan had a personal relationship with Jesus and right now stands in the very presence of the King that was born in a manger. I know I will see Nathan again because I too have a relationship with Jesus. I am thankful because my wife and kids also know Jesus and no matter what comes our way we will be together for eternity. If Jesus had never come to earth than there would be no hope, no joy, no reason beyond this earth to praise.
So today I have much to "break out in praise and sing for joy" about and am thankful for both the trials and the good times that have been a part of my life.
Father today as I remember the trials of the past, the beauty of the present and look forward to the future, help me to "break out in praise and sing for joy" as I look to you the author and perfecter of my faith.
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