And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. – Luke 2:10-11 (KJV)
I never took myself to be a fan of the television series “Little House on the Prairie.” But, having two young daughters during the COVID lockdown changed that. Four years later, I've seen all the episodes; my eldest daughter has read all of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books; we have a dog named Ingalls; and I’m here writing a Christmas devotion about one of my favorite episodes.
LIGHT IN THE DARK
In Season 3, the harrowing episode “Blizzard” takes place as the children are dismissed from school on Christmas Eve. There's light snow falling, and no one is aware that a deadly blizzard is about to devastate the little community of Walnut Grove. As the children journey home, the danger increases. Doc Baker and the mothers gather at the church to form a warming shelter and medical clinic, while the men go out in teams to search—except one father who chooses to go out by himself. Later, not knowing his child has already been found and is safely back at the church, the father dies in the blizzard. While some families are reunited, other fathers, like Mr. Edwards, must push on. As the storm worsens, concern grows that Mr. Edwards and his children have been lost.
The next morning, on Christmas Day, Mr. Edwards bursts through the doors of the church with his children and the whole community celebrates—that is, all but the new widow and her son. They stand watching the celebration, numb and in disbelief, grappling with their own loss. At that moment, Charles Ingalls realizes that the delight and exhilaration of the community are in stark contrast to the pain and reality of their neighbors. No words are exchanged, no hugs of condolence could fill the void, no gesture would change the situation. He stoically walks to front of the church and turns in the Bible to Luke, chapter 2, verses 1 through 11 and reads the birth announcement of Jesus. Only the love of God can shine into the darkest of despair.
JESUS IS FOR YOU
Whether our circumstances are good or bad, our station in life is successful or hard, our outlook is full of hope and faith or despair and gloom, no matter who you are or where you come from, the birth of Jesus is for you. Our celebration and our mourning should both be influenced by the birth of our Savior. God’s love has broken through for all people. God’s truth and his power are now accessible for all people. God’s grace and compassion are now the filter through which all our circumstances are experienced.
Reflect: This Christmas, are there situations in your life that God wants the birth announcement of his Son to help you find hope?
