Adventtide Trials

One of the strongest temptations of the Advent season is that of letting trial and tribulation overcome the jollyness of the season. When you’re hit with a trial during this time it tends to hit a little harder. It’s like spilling red wine on white linen or spraining an ankle right before the championship game. The temptation is to let trials turn a good thing into something shocking & unbearable.
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But it is unbecoming of Christians to cast off the joy of Christ so easily. The death of a loved one may be particularly painful during this season but we have to remember that we are celebrating the one who came to overcome death. Unforeseen health issues, strife with extended family, and smaller-than-expected Christmas bonuses cannot dim the light on this season, because Jesus came to heal, bring peace, and cultivate contentment. The advent of Christ didn’t happen for the benefit of the unafflicted, Jesus came for the sick. Jesus came for you. Rather than ruining Advent & Christmas these things magnify the miracle of the incarnation. 

When we are hit with trials during this season, instead of thinking “well, Christmas is ruined” our knee-jerk reaction should be “well, now I’m going to celebrate even harder,”

The King came to conquer sin, and though you still see sin, if you look in faith you will see that Jesus is on His throne and He’s making all things new. There is not a wet-blanket big enough to quench the consuming fire that is our God. So come and be warmed at the fire of His Word. Come and rejoice.

Come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ.

This exhortation was given to Christ Church Downtown on Dec 10 2023

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