"I have told you these things, so that in me you may
have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But
take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)
Christmas has always been a time for celebration and
Christmas has always been a time for celebration and
joy for our family. However, a few years ago we were
consumed by grief over our nephew who was a troubled
kid. Our sadness threatened to rob the sacred holiday
of the usual awe and wonder we felt. I began to
pray. "Please, God, don't let us miss Christmas."
It is our tradition for family and friends to join us for
It is our tradition for family and friends to join us for
Christmas dinner. This year was no different. The
house was full of those who had come to celebrate.
Our home glittered with lights and tinsel both inside and
Our home glittered with lights and tinsel both inside and
out. The presents were sorted into piles according to
the nametags that were located a top each gift and
tucked slightly under the bow. Aromas of holiday
foods cooking in the kitchen made our mouths water
with anticipation. Outwardly, all seemed right, yet for
my family, no celebration or sweet treat could comfort
our hearts. Again, I prayed. "Lord, please don't let us
miss Christmas."
As the evening drew to a close, Cody, a friend of our son,
As the evening drew to a close, Cody, a friend of our son,
put on his coat. "Merry Christmas," he said, waving bye with
his hand high in the air.
Cody had joined the Marines and was due to report
Cody had joined the Marines and was due to report
after graduation. He fiddled with his jacket as if he was
hesitating. "Are you excited about the Marines?" I asked.
"I wish I had never joined. I'm told the only way to get
"I wish I had never joined. I'm told the only way to get
out of it is not to graduate. So I'm not going to finish
school," Cody said as he shuffled his feet back and forth.
I sighed and began sharing with Cody what I needed to
I sighed and began sharing with Cody what I needed to
hear myself. "Peace comes in impossible situations when
we rely on God and trust Him with our future, whatever that may be."
Stunned, Cody asked. "In order to trust and rely on God,
Stunned, Cody asked. "In order to trust and rely on God,
don't I first have to ...what's the word, ah...get saved?"
"You've never placed your trust in Christ to be your
"You've never placed your trust in Christ to be your
personal Lord and Savior?" I asked.
"No, ma'am, I haven't," Cody said, shaking his head
"No, ma'am, I haven't," Cody said, shaking his head
back and forth.
"Well, we can fix that right now if you'd like," I replied.
My niece and I escorted Cody into a quiet room where
"Well, we can fix that right now if you'd like," I replied.
My niece and I escorted Cody into a quiet room where
we explained about the love and forgiveness of
Jesus Christ. Cody accepted the peace of God, and
his countenance changed right in front of our faces!
With excitement, Cody announced to our guests, "Guess
With excitement, Cody announced to our guests, "Guess
what everybody? I just gave my heart and life to Jesus!"
Cheers filled the house and the true celebration of
Christmas had finally begun! It was a Christmas miracle I'll
never forget.
God had heard my prayer. He hadn't let us miss Christmas
God had heard my prayer. He hadn't let us miss Christmas
at all. In fact, as we looked to Christ for Cody's sake, He was birthed
anew in all our hearts.
Isn't that why we celebrate Christmas each year? To
Isn't that why we celebrate Christmas each year? To
refocus on the One who offers hope in this fallen world
and fills us with lasting peace. Hope for the hurting, the
sick, and the lost. Christmas reminds us to rejoice in
the truth that no matter what we face on earth, Jesus has
overcome the world! Gazing on Christ helps us to see,
if we have Jesus, we have everything we need.
"Dear Lord, Thank You for the Savior of the world who
"Dear Lord, Thank You for the Savior of the world who
brings peace in our hearts all year long.
In Jesus' Name, Amen."
