Last year, while driving along the scenic Godley Head Road near Christchurch, New Zealand, a disturbing sight stopped me in my tracks: a car, wrecked and abandoned, lay at the bottom of a hill. I didn’t know what had happened, but I felt sorry for the people in that car. One moment, they might have been enjoying the breathtaking views; the next, they veered off the road and plunged downhill.
Isn’t life like that sometimes? One month we are on top of the hill, and we can see far into the future and plan our life with certainty. Then in an instant, life throws us downhill, and the future seems so confusing and uncertain. All our plans suddenly tumble into disarray.
I was reminded of this recently when I chatted with a friend about our troubles: mine with sudden illnesses in the family, hers with an unforeseen business problem. She asked me, “What do we do when life takes such turns?”
In that moment, three thoughts came to my mind:
- Count Your Blessings: Despite the chaos, we are still surrounded by blessings. The Lord who has carried us through the past challenges will see us through again – in His divine way.
- Take Action: Focus on what’s within our control and do the best we can in those areas. Small, positive steps can lead us out of the deepest valleys. Help others who are also in difficulty.
- Pray – A Lot: For the other things beyond our control, pray fervently to the Lord and trust in His plan.
Reflecting on this, I realized Joseph and Mary’s first Christmas was a far cry from our holly jolly celebrations. Their lives were upended: an unexpected pregnancy, a birth far from home in Bethlehem, and a hasty escape to a foreign country. Yet, amidst this turmoil, Mary’s words were: “My soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord … for He has done great things for me” (Luke, 1:47-49).
So, if this Christmas season finds us grappling with health, financial, career, or other uncertainties, then perhaps we are experiencing the true essence of Christmas; one that connects us with the experiences of Joseph and Mary, and millions of downtrodden people in the world. The Christmas that makes our hearts long for Christ.
This season, let’s find comfort not in our carefully laid out plans, but in faith and hope in the Lord.
Your roads have led us, Lord, ‘cross desert sand.
From “Beyond the Moon and Stars” by Dan Schutte.
We place our hopes and dreams within your hand.
REFLECTIONS ON LIFE, WORK, AND FAITH IN THE 21ST-CENTURY AMERICA 