Some naïve and theologically uninformed persons think that being a Christian means one is not supposed to have trouble in this life. That is a falsehood. Jesus Himself made it clear: "In this world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33, with emphasis added). The rest of the verse provides a ray of hope: "But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
For some, trouble comes in the form of personal sickness, whether physical or mental. For others, trouble comes through suffering with the sickness of those we love. Most families at some point will hear the dreaded "C" word, cancer.
For many, trouble comes in the form of loneliness or failed lives. Trouble may come from pain caused by someone close to us.
For so many, trouble comes through death -- death of a relationship, death of dreams, death of hope or the physical death of a loved one.
I have known the troubling loss of my mother, extended family members and our eldest daughter just four years ago. Our daughter's death was a life-changing event which continues to impact my family, myself and all who love us.
Death comes. Trouble comes. Tribulation is a part of our human experience.
But God has a message for us, a message of hope found in one of the most familiar Christmas passages:
"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" (Luke 2:10-11). Keep reading
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