Christmas is for the Broken

I’m not one to write seasonal content. There’s a part of me that has always eschewed tradition and accepted norms. Let me be clear: I like traditions, but I despise their negative side. That negative side is complacency. Complacency breeds false security, and the tradition becomes more trusted than the truths that supposedly underpin it. I would rather poke the bear a little than comfort it.

But not today.

This past Friday, my friend, Dewayne, entered his reward with Christ. He was maybe fifty, a year ahead of me when we were in college. He was a family man who deeply loved his wife, Laurie, and their kids. He loved Jesus, served as a deacon, and served his church well. I hadn’t seen him in years, practically since the 90s when we were in college, but we reconnected on Facebook and shared a similar love of astrophotography. When the news of his death came, I was shocked, saddened, and regretful that I never got to shake his hand and embrace him again. I mean, we will, but not for now.

I hate it when families lose loved ones around Christmas. For many, it casts a shadow over the Christmases that follow. I think I know Laurie well enough that she will grieve well, and though there will be sorrow for future Christmases, she and her children will persevere and continue to love Jesus well and celebrate his birth with joy.

But as much as I hate the timing (Is there ever good timing for sudden loss?) I also know that the LORD never has bad timing. His plans and his purposes always unfold on time.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. – Galatians 4:4-5

Christ was born when the time was perfect. His life was lived at the best possible moment. His death happened when maximum impact would be achieved. And His resurrection when hope was most needed. God’s timing is never the problem. Our finite understanding and perspective are always lacking, which is why faith is so crucial.

Christmas celebrates the fullness of time. From a human perspective, it wasn’t an ideal setting, so Mary and Joseph trusted the LORD and walked by faith. When tragedy strikes around Christmas, the pain is an opportunity to trust and walk by faith. I don’t offer this like some trite saying. It’s the truth, and we must pursue it.

Christmas is for the broken. He was born, and His birth triggered a storm of events that led to pain and suffering for many. Herod had many young children murdered in a demonic effort to kill Jesus. Joseph and Mary fled for safety and became refugees in Egypt. These are the little things that commercialized Christmas doesn’t talk about. Christmas broke many when it happened.

But Christmas also birthed the promise that all brokenness has a Healer. All who call on His name, Jesus Messiah, will find redemption and healing for every broken thing.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed. – Isaiah 53:5

Jesus said plainly that he came for the sick, not the healthy (Mark 2:17). If you are weary, if you are broken, if you are in despair, there is hope in the one who was born that we may have life: Jesus Christ. That’s what makes Christmas great. It is for the broken.

My words are feeble in the face of great pain. I don’t pretend that anything I say makes any dents in anyone’s suffering. Nonetheless, this is truth, and nourishing our souls with it is good, even in the midst of loss. My prayer is for the peace of the LORD to go before you and be a constant companion as you mourn. Grieve well, with gratitude and hope. Lean on Christ, born to give you life and redeem you from the pit, for all of your strength and comfort.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.