The last few blogs have dealt with difficult and confusing circumstances in Christmas and life.  But these are merely props to the greater story.  Sometimes in spite of the drama and other times because of it, a greater story is being written.  This story reaches beyond the moment and the circumstance.

Joseph and Mary’s relationship endured the shock of the unexpected pregnancy and the birth of the Christ child survived the primitive and unsanitary setting.  Salvation for a sin-damaged world grew from there.

Darrel and I emerged from our competition each time with greater purpose in life and awareness of God.  The dark times are not the destination of our journey, only temporary trials in an eternal story with glorious results to enjoy.  Christmas is a time to celebrate that darkness was overcome in our world and in our lives.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.

 Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

till He appeared and the soul felt its worth, a thrill of hope,

the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

 

Read I Peter 1:6,7