December 9, 2017 Saturday Week 1 Day 7

For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love. Psalm 31:13–16

            Christmas seems like such a happy family time of year where everyone is happy.  But the truth is that for many Christmas is a time of remembering those who are no longer with us and the loneliness we feel.

            For others it is a time of terror as many Christians are being persecuted.  Some are imprisoned, dying or praying their children would come back from slavery.  For them it is a time to count the cost of following Jesus and realizing it is worth the loss of all now for the promise of the blessing of eternity.

            We are surrounded by terror and we can see the difference between non-Christians and others in that to Christians a martyr is a person who gives their life for their faith while others see being a martyr as losing their life while killing others.  While the world terrorizes others the people of God discover love conquers our fear.

            Whatever time we live in is the time God has made for us to live in.  God has created us and gifted us for now and where God places us.  Whether in gain or loss, strength or weakness, safety or persecution we can experience God shining His grace and blessing on us!  We can discover the strength and hope that comes when we experience God’s “steadfast love”.

            As you continue your journey through Advent know that the Christ Child brought us peace with God and His good will that allows us to face the terrors and still love those whom God loves.