Christmas day – don’t forget the pain and sorrow

“I hold the precepts of Jesus, as delivered by himself, to be the most pure, benevolent, and sublime which have ever been preached to a man.” Thomas Jefferson to Jared Sparks, November 4, 1820

Today is the big day. Christians around the world are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lots of cheer, the Christmas tree, gifts and too much snow in many places. I hope everyone is able to be with their loved ones this day. Family is what makes our lives worth living, at least for me. Of course, our troops are still not home, but I’m not going to use this column for any commentary on the war. Just wish to say God bless our troops and their families. I also wish to send God’s blessings to everyone and hope this day brings joy in your heart.

Know one of the things I think about today? I think about the Blessed Mother and her pain of bringing forth a child into the world knowing that one day she would see her son die in the most horrific manner because that is what Almighty God intended:

John 3:16-17 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Mary must have treasured each day with Jesus as He grew to manhood. The pain the Blessed Mother went through as she watched her son die a slow agonizing death must have been beyond what most of us can imagine. As I mother, I cannot even imagine such pain and sorrow. When my daughter had surgery (three times), I just sat there like a lump praying to God that He keep her safe through the operations. The agony of Mary bringing forth the savior of the world for you and me knowing the outcome. How can we not weep to think of it?

Our Heavenly Father promised us through his son, Jesus Christ, that if we lived by his commandments and repented of our sins, our reward when we leave this human body would be greater than any earthly riches. As I am fond of saying, eternity is a long time.

especially the economy. Millions will cry, “Please God, help me with the rent or my car payment or just some money to buy food for my children!” It’s natural to ask for God’s help, but I am wondering what He thinks about these same people who ignore His commandments and then expect a miracle on demand?

If we desire God’s blessings can we expect them if we lie, cheat, steal, kill unborn babies in the womb, use His name as a curse word, wallow in the filth of sexual deviancy, sleep around like dogs on the street and worship mega pastors who lead their flocks astray? Can we expect God’s blessings by picking and choosing which of his commandments we like even though the act of disobedience brings the stain of sin upon our soul? Can we expect God’s blessings by forgetting His gift to the world, His son, Jesus Christ – except when we want something material?

I know secularists in this country disparage people of faith and that my questions are most likely considered corny. The good news is, I really don’t care. Secularism is a system of political or social philosophy that rejects all forms of religious faith and worship. Those who believe in nothing are but one heart beat away from eternity. I would not wish to be in their place.

We dearly love our spouses, parents, children and good friends, but God’s love above all is what we seek through his son, Jesus Christ. I believe that’s what today is all about, isn’t it?

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