John 16 and The Third Christmas


These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace
In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

          The third Christmas was entirely different than the first one. A stark contrast of divine protection and devastating loss mark that third Christmas season. When remembering that historical account, we typically emphasize the good and majestic parts of the story, while relegating the terrible events to the background. Perhaps we do so because to look too closely would rouse that persistent question “Why?” which is so often unanswered in this lifetime. Yet, in grappling with the events of the third Christmas, hope can be found for our times. Hope is always worth the work, so here we go…
          There is perhaps nothing more beautiful than a mother’s love for her baby. The first Christmas highlights that love. In the soft glow of a stable’s candlelight, our minds’ eyes picture the precious scene of Mary and Joseph looking with wonder at the tiny baby Jesus, newly born. That night also brought God to the forefront of other people’s lives. The glory of God illumined shepherds as angels told them where to find the Christchild. Far away, a star appeared which would catch the attention of the wise men, propelling them forward to find the King of Kings.
          Stay in Bethlehem, but fast-forward two years. The wise men have reached the house where Joseph, Mary, and the toddler Jesus are living. They have given Him gifts and begun their trek home. Joseph is awakened that night by a dream, warning him to flee immediately to Egypt to save Jesus’ life from the imminent wrath of pagan King Herod. They escape.
          The story was not the same for the other families living in Bethlehem with infant and toddler boys. No dream was given to save their young sons from death. Put yourself in their sandals. Fathers tried to defend their sons, but were fiercely shoved aside. Mothers could do nothing as their babies were torn from their arms. Jeremiah’s prophecy was tragically fulfilled: “…Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted...”
          Why? Couldn’t the omnipotent God have stopped the terrible decree from being executed? Those mothers loved their sons as much as Mary loved hers. Why does He sometimes protect us in miraculous ways, and other times allow us to endure the unbearable moments of life? Both the Old and New Testaments are replete with examples of some of God’s children experiencing incredible deliverance, and others with equal faith having no such victories. Why?
          “ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
          The answer lies in the toddler Who did escape that night. The sword of grief would pierce His mother’s soul thirty-one years later, for He had been born to die. The evening before that ordeal, He would speak words that have since brought courage and comfort to so many: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
          You will have tribulation. There will be tough times. Ok, terrible times. Times that make you wonder silent questions you are afraid to voice. Scripture, history, and each of our lives attest to this truth. But Jesus’ words didn’t stop there. He gives peace. He has overcome the world. We can take heart and be of good cheer. The last chapter of the story will be the best, even if the middle of the book seems like the villain has won.
          “God is big enough to handle your questions,” my granddad, a WW2 vet who lost his five year old daughter, told my mom years ago. Run to Him, not from Him. Biblical faith is being honest before Him with your thoughts and emotions, and then believing what His still, small voice whispers in return. He cares. He will help you make it through another day.   
          Perhaps the best name of Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. The greatest part of salvation is not a home in some eternal vacation-land we call heaven, but the Lord God Almighty coming to live in us forever. He holds the keys of life and death. Though we do not always understand how He uses them, the specific answers we seek pale in comparison to the big answers He has given us. Phillips Brooks’ familiar Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” summarizes well the scope of what occurred in that village: “…the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” Our hopes. Our fears. Our God.