Experience joy even in suffering.
“And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (Matthew 2:10)
There are two extreme adversities that have disturbed the Philippines this year 2021.
One is Covid. The other is Odette. Each one brought its own set of multiple devastations to the lives of Filipinos.
These are times when the rains blow in our faces and the evening shadows and stars are few.
Suffering is painful. It does not take a break for the holidays.
But, whether we accept it or not, suffering can have benefits. It can be gain disguised as loss.
It tests and develops our faith, our mental strength, our resiliency, our ability to cope … to stand back up, to recover from misfortune, to see our mistakes/sins and make changes towards a new life.
I have had my own share of personal sufferings and breakdowns during some past Christmases.
How difficult it was for me to hear what people were talking or cheering about when I’m suffering – I couldn’t hear a thing.
They said “Merry Christmas!” and laughed and I couldn’t get what’s so funny. They looked crazy to me.
I seemed to be so focused on what I didn’t have, I sort of forgot what I did have and could be grateful for.
Things like I’m still breathing and alive, have food on the table, and body that’s free of sickness.
I’d hear voices … and what would I hear? Voices of my loved ones who still lingered on – that’s what I’d hear and long to hear more.
I heard other voices also from different places – my brethren, relatives, friends, people I helped, even strangers who appreciate that they have me in the moment.
It matters more than anything else to appreciate who or what we do have right in front of us, especially in times of suffering.
Most importantly, may the joy of Christ be in our hearts this Christmas.
It’s possible to experience joy even in times of suffering. It’s possible to know joy or feel joy in spite of grief or uncertainty.
Joy doesn’t need a smiling face in order to exist. Yes, we can still be exceedingly joyful even amidst suffering!
For the joy of the Christ of Christmas in our hearts is never dependent on external circumstances.
It depends on who He is and the depth of our trust and faith in Him in the larger meaning and picture of our lives.
”Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4)
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ “ (Luke 2:8-14)
“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” – Luke 1:35
“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.” – John 3:16
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” – John 1:5-11
