-Beth Gray 2017

I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was to be a routine CT scan.

Moments later, he was being rushed to the ER by medical personnel administering CPR.

Throughout the next 48 hours, we began to transition forward into life without my father.

“There is no way I will survive this,” I thought to myself.

So many painful reminders of his absence with each Holiday, birthday, or special occasion, and then one day it hit me:

God knew, first-hand, of the grief and sorrow that I had been experiencing. He understood my tears and broken heart.

After all, he had lost his only son.

Life isn’t always filled with excitement and happiness. We can feel shattered and broken by events in life. We can feel tangled up — a mess — like strands of Christmas tree lights.

God tells us in John 16:20, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”

He offers us peace and assurance in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Recently, I read that because of Christmas, we have an eternal Hope that will overcome the heart-break that we suffer. I like to think that is a gentle reminder of God’s undying love for us, that he is clearly in control of every- thing, thus we should be at peace and rest in his assurance.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for never leaving me alone. Help me to always have the faith needed to trust and obey your word. Cast away my doubts and reassure me that no matter what might happen, you are always with me. Stand beside me as I grow in faith, and grant me your peace.

Amen.