“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Every day we need strength for the battles we face against the enemy’s attacks.
Can we really be strong when we feel so vulnerable? Yes, we can. Many Americans are fearful and afraid because of what happened with the Russian airliner crash over the Sinai Peninsular, the Paris terrorist attack, and now the San Bernardino attack killing 14 people and injuring 21 others. Many are afraid to visit places where large crowds congregate, e.g. super markets, sporting events, and airports, etc. Lone wolf attacks are most difficult to predict and radical Islam has terrorist sleeper cells waiting to be activated at any given moment in every city all over our nation--and most, if not all western nations.
We do not live in a safe world in the west any more, and this is just the beginning. Therefore, in the light of the uncertainty of our times, how can we experience joy in the midst of so much pending danger? Christmas is meant to be a joyous time as we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world. Someone may say, “Tell that it the people in Paris or the bereaved families in San Bernardino. They will find it hard to receive.”
Nevertheless, the birth of Christ, bringing joy to the world, was not a peaceful time in Israel’s history. The Roman armies ruled them with a tight grip on the nation. At the time of Jesus’ birth, Herod ordered the killing of every baby two years old and under (Matthew 2:16). Jesus’ life was under constant threat during his ministry. And yet there was great joy and peace published at Christ’s birth, as well as throughout his ministry.
To be continued.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell