“Then Simeon blessed them
and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling
and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so
that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your
own soul too" (Luke 2:34-35)
Have you ever wondered at some of
the hard Scriptures concerning a time we epitomize as pure joy?
Picture Mary waiting forty-one days
of her purification (Lev. 12:4) before bringing her son to the temple. Here
Simeon greets her and tells her wonderful news: a sword would pierce her
spirit.
His words proved true. Mary knew
sorrow as she watched the life of her son unfold, culminating in his
crucifixion.
For Jesus, his birth came at a great
cost—not just in his brutal death, but He was equal to God and owned the world.
Yet he came as a defenseless child dependent on sinful man for His survival.
Today we sing happy songs and focus
on the joyful season. And it is joyful solely because Jesus came to earth to
reconcile us with the Father. For that reunion, the heavens rejoiced.
But as we go about our lives, also
realize this is a season of sorrow for many.
My son-in-law works in a psych ward
in Salem Hospital. Christmas time brings a plethora of patients overwhelmed by
the emphasis on family when they have none and giving when they have nothing.
They worry about debt to buy the elaborate gifts our culture demands and feel
guilty because happiness eludes them even though the world rejoices.
On top of this loved ones die,
siblings become ill, babies are miscarried, children are abused and addictions
abound.
Don’t be dismayed if you don’t feel
the joy the world tells us we must feel. Realize that our faith and
faithfulness are not pain free. We will be challenged in all things human, even
as Christ our Savior was. Like Mary, great blessings will come, but swords
will, too.
Rest in Him through the hard times,
and He will give you peace that passes understanding.
