I have been watching the dramatic rescue in Bethesda this morning and praying for the rescue workers and the people they are rescuing. Thankfully, it seems right now that all have been rescued safely with only hypothermia. When we are caught in the middle of the wonderful celebation of Christmas, life continues. Workers show up for the jobs and shocking news happens.
Last night, I received a phone call that my sister had either a stroke or a heart attack and was taken to the hospital and is right now in Intensive Care. You are never really prepared for shocking news. Our family is praying for Pat and I would appreciate your prayers for her as well. It was just last year we received news that Pat was diagnosed with cancer. They finally found no tumors in her body and we breathed a sigh of relief but we were not prepared for distressing news from her this year.
It happens in each of our families and it is difficult to handle our emotions in such a time as this. Perhaps we need to remember that when someone smiles it is not phony that they are also hurting or in distress. Some feel that is a hypocritical place. That is not the case. Life is hard and emotional difficulties complicate our hearts. I can smile knowing that no matter what happens my sister is prepared to face eternity.
There is a peace that buoys my spirit when I am reminded that the reason Jesus came to us is that we might have peace. Peace is a useless commodity in a world where there are no problems. Such a world would put a high premium on escape from boredom. In a world where there are constant surprises and amazing difficulties, peace is a precious commodity more priceless than gold. It accompanies those who have found 'peace on earth' in the person of Jesus. A smile for them is not phony.
How about those who are unsure about the final destiny of a loved who lost their life? How can they smile? I can only vouch for my smile. I can smile because I trust the great mercy of God. I have been instructed by my Lord not to judge. Some use that as a weak shield to allow them to continue to act like there is no tomorrow but those who know the Lord know that the Lord made that principle vital as much for our benefit. If we know we are not the ones who will determine eternity we can smile knowing the one who holds eternity will alone be accountable for eternity. He is just and He is merciful.
How about those who are estranged during such a season? Well, again I can only speak for me but I am confident always that the Holy Spirit is at work. I am not solely responsible for reconciliation but I am a minister of reconciliation. The Holy Spirit is at work in the heart and life of those who are not reconciled making the possibilities of reconcilation a great hope of the season. I can smile knowing that I have hope that somehow the Holy Spirit will accomplish His work and I don't have to know how.
In the middle of tragedy, bad news and conflict we can smile. It is because of a child born in a manger. Our hope springs from Him as does our help. There is an interesting paralel in the wonderful illustrated story of the Polar Express. The young man finally meets Santa. He holds a small bell, one of the jingle bells, in his hand but he can't hear it ring. He says 'I believe...' and turns toward the imposing fgure behind him. Santa asks, "What did you say?" He replies, 'I believe..., I believe..., I believe...this is your's.'. I can almost see myself standing in the presence holding my cares and worries as I hold them up to Him and say, "I believe...this is Your's." And then I smile.
I trust that each of you and your family members will the merriest of Christmases and that God will bless you with abundant peace and joy in the year to come.
Pastor and Adrell Stacey
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