What Christmas Really Gives Us: Endurance for the Journey
“I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; But be of good cheer! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 RSV
During Advent, we are exploring the gifts of Christmas. Last week, we heard about the promises of God; promises of strength, love, presence and then, on Christmas day, we received the fulfillment of God’s promises in the birth of Christ. Another one of the gifts that is revealed at Christmas is the way God gives us an uncanny strength and the capacity for endurance in the most daunting of circumstances. This capacity is built into nature, it is in our bodies, it is amplified as we believe, trust, and rely on our faith. This is the gift revealed in the story of Joseph and Mary. Come this Sunday as we are reminded that we, too, have received this gift of endurance.