Name: Jim Divine
Which Service do you attend: All
Word: Fear and Joy
Scripture: Luke 2:10 “but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”
I received the news on Christmas morning 1997 that my Grandad had died the day before. Loida, our kids and I were living in San Jose, Costa Rica, while I was attending language school and the announcement came with great sorrow and shock. Not only was this my first grandparent to die, but of all my grandparents, I had been closest to my Grandad Schesser. In fact, he and my grandmother were planning on visiting us in Costa Rica in just two weeks.
My family provided for me to fly home for the funeral and while traveling I found myself working through a fear that I had never experienced before. I had never known life without my immediate family and grandparents. As I traveled, I experienced the presence of God, not in some powerful expression like a host of Angels, but in a still small voice who gave me assurance that I would see my grandad again. My grandad had staked his life on the good news of Jesus Christ, and I had as well and this news would carry me through my grief and lead me one cay to celebrate with Grandad at the great feast of heaven.
What started as a fearful sad journey ended up being a joyful celebration of my grandad’s life and faith. A reunion of family and a focused time of returning to the center of our hope, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, whether we are celebrating and full of joy today, or are sad and struggling though fear or sorrow, let us return to the hope that caused the shepherds to declare to everyone they saw that they had been with the savior. Amen.
Action: Take time to praise God today for his coming to earth as a baby and for coming into your heart as a Savior.
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