Yesterday I met a man who is the Christmas story! His name is Dennis. I know, you expected me to say Jesus and refer to an Advent Sermon. But, as I reflect on the incredible testimony and witness of faith, I am once again brought low to the humble manger scene and Christ's humble birth.
Hope is defined through adversity! Dennis is a local pastor who is afflicted with a brain tumor. His prognosis isn't real positive. He will die. Yet, when I saw him yesterday, he spoke of faith and gave praise to God. It is through his adversity that his faith is strongest. Dennis has every reason to give up and complain about his situation. Life has been very unfair to him. Yet, he didn't bad mouth his condition, he welcomed it and spoke of how his faith has grown. WOW! It is through adversity and testing that hope is born.
Mary and Joseph faced many hardships not to mention Herod's attempted on their young son's life! Yet as the Magi visited them, they realized that hope was born. Jesus was born in humble means and through adversity and yet his birth brought so much hope. Mary undoubtedly experienced the pain of giving birth but also would come to know of the inner pain of loosing a son to death on a cross. Yet, her courage is clear. In the scripture she held onto hope through out her life.
Today, as we face hardships and problems, may we experience hope. It will bring joy to our soul and carry us through any adversity.
Dennis has hope. That is why he can face such a difficult illness. It is why he has a living and wonderful testimony for others. He knows of a hope that the world did not and can not give! His hope is in the Lord.
Just remember today, friend, that our joy is not circumstance driven. It is based on eternal value.
Jesus is the reason!
