It's Still "Merry Christmas!"

It's still, "Merry Christmas," even though not everything in  my life is "merry."  So, how can it still be "merry?"  It can still be "merry" because of Christ.  Period.  As John Piper says so well, Jesus came to not so much bring me bread, but as to BE BREAD!  A line from a familiar Christmas Carol comes to mind..."...the hopes and fears of all the years, are  met in Thee, tonight."  Yes, all of my hopes can be met and fulfilled, ultimately in Christ.  So, even though my brother Michael is fighting cancer something fierce, Christmas is still "merry."  
Jesus came to bring us life!  Not a better life on this earth, but eternal life which begins in our hearts here.  Throw out all the "health and wealth" gospel bringers, they can't offer me any scripture which can support that.  Jesus came to bring the real, abiding life which springs hope eternal, even in the midst of great suffering!  The promise of sins forgiven, and Christ alive within.   Christ came to give so much more than a present under the tree, He came to take care of my GREATEST need, the need for salvation and forgiveness.  So, yes, Christmas is still "merry," no matter what!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope..."(I Pet. 1:3, NIV)

This Is Just What Heaven Means to Me [Live]

I don't have any great words of wisdom today.  As I write, my dear brother, Michael Wright, is facing the final leg of his journey through this world, barring a miracle from God.  I remember nearly four years ago, the day this all began, where I was, and the sweater I was wearing.  Little did I really know all the twists and turns this journey would take him and his family on.  It has truly been a roller coaster ride.  I'm so thankful he has the sure hope of a home in heaven with Jesus!  He has lived a life of great testimony for sure, and so many have been blessed by his life.  Sunday evening, and into Monday, I would break into tears at various times, as it really hit me where we might be in this journey.  Michael was born only one year and eleven days after me, so we grew up together, literally.  My mother said that when Michael was learning to walk, and would fall, I would fall down, too, just to get attention!  (LOL)  He has been a great brother, so kind, cheerful and giving.  I have been so blessed to have him as my brother.  Yesterday, I thought about this song, and I love the way Vestal Goodman sings it!  What a hope!