The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
Merry Christmas to you from SOLA Network! In a year marked by global and national events, our personal triumphs and tragedies bring another layer of perspective to this day—the day we celebrate Jesus coming into the world.
He who was perfect humbled himself to become like one of us (Philippians 2:8). Like one of us, he has seen joy, but he also carried much sorrow while on earth. May the ones who carry extra burdens this day see a glimmer of hope that leads to rejoicing, whether it be small or mighty. May the ones who know no sorrow as of yet shout for joy, that our God came down to dwell among us.
Leading up to today, but especially today, we remember that God will leave the ninety-nine to seek and save the one. Many of us have prayed for “the one” in our lives for years. Today reminds us to continue steadfastly in prayer. He hears, he sees, and he knows. His ways are higher than ours.
And maybe, you who are reading this, you are the one. You are the one wandering sheep that the shepherd is gently calling back to himself. More than anything, Jesus wants you to find rest in him. The yoke you have been tied to for all these years, based on the human understanding of success and happiness, has weighed you down more than it has given you life. But in Jesus, there is life like we have never known it. In Jesus, there is true rest, healing, and restoration. He does not ask you to do anything for him. He only asks you to receive what he has done for you.
For all of us, may we celebrate the cosmic genius of our God that broke through all human understanding to save us, and share the love that we receive from him with others.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17)”
Header Photo Credit: Insung Yoon