Life, why is it so hard sometimes? It is a gift don’t get me wrong. There is nothing so precious as the shrill newborn cry as a baby is introduced to the world…but life is complex. Like a beautiful rose blooming in the early morning sun covered in the misty haze of dew, it is radiant. Yet just like the morning dew the awe of living can leave so quickly in the wake of circumstance.
Life is good, but sometimes it feels lonely. As I sit in the movie theater already emotionally stirred by the previews I laugh at my dramatic nature but I long to share my embarrassment with another person. It seems like life was not designed to live alone, but to be shared. At this time of year, Christmas, when so many families are pictured everywhere gathered around Christmas lights and tree they seem so happy, perfect, and whole. There is another picture that materializes, but it is not painted on billboards or flaunted on Television ads, it portrays the lonely soul unable to celebrate with loved ones.
Life…even when we feel alone is worth living. The sky whispers this message in the morning as streaks of pink and purples paint the dawn in beauty. Oh lonely heart, beauty still awaits you, hang on. Though the image in the mirror may look worn and tired your mouth was made to smile again, and your heart will surely laugh…hang on. If we could only see the future maybe we wouldn’t despair, but life is mysterious in that way.
For the hopeless there is hope He came as a baby to earth. Life is of God and is God. Looking from his heavenly throne God the Father invited the Son to step down from glory to be clothed in our humanity. In this mysterious thing called Life on earth, he grew up. He walked among us experiencing pain and disappointment until the day He made the ultimate sacrifice, His life for ours. On a crudely made cross with arms stretched out He gave up this wonderful gift, Life.
Darkness filled the scene of the slain Savior. Thunder pealed and earthquake trembled as the unlookers fled, Life seemed to be defeated in that moment.
When depression hits with all of the negative thoughts and bleak conclusions we can sometimes feel like everyone has abandoned us. Such moments of pain feel so dark, so dismal, how could anyone really know such despair? But…God.
Laid in a borrowed tomb Jesus was left alone. His followers fled in fear that they would be the next to pay for the angry fury of the people. The miracle worker couldn’t save them after all. Their tears of disappointment fell quietly as they stood in the shadows of their lair. But…God.
The wonder of Life is that it doesn’t give up, and so the story was not over. The power of God filled the forsaken tomb where the Savior was laid. Like the brilliant sun mounting on the heights Life filled the body of the sacrifice for all mankind. With eyes of love this God man, this King of Jews rose from the grave. Life rose in victory.
Life is hard but….God redeems. Life is hard but…God restores. Life is hard but…God revives. In brokenness Oh Lord, I surrender. I invite you to fill this heart of woe with the brilliance of your life.
After Jesus rose from the grave He went up into heaven to prepare a place for us who believe in Him. And like the dew in the morning he sent his Holy Spirit to rest on us and remind us that this earth is not our home, but there is more. With nail pierced hands God made a way for us to experience freedom not only when we go to heaven, but right now during our dash on earth.
Life was meant for living in freedom, in peace, and in joy. These gifts aren’t found in a drink, or a television show. They are not even found in another person, but they are found in a relationship with the Creator God through his son Jesus Christ, the God who walked among us. Emmanuel, God with us, Oh come let us adore Him.
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