For Those who are Suffering Through Advent
My brother was in hospice during the first week of December. His passing was a sad time; my family and I continue to grieve, but we aren’t suffering through Advent without the comfort of Immanuel.
The holiness of Advent glorifies Immanuel and touches our deepest need.
God’s undeniable presence in suffering is the greatest comfort for the brokenhearted.
Are you suffering through Advent, too?
When we suffer through Advent, the Light shines brighter on Immanuel: God with us.
The Spirit of Immanuel woos us into the warm, calming waters of rest and restoration. He reminds us to live after we’ve walked through the valley of death. And He assures us hope, peace, joy, and love accompany us along grief’s pathway.
God is with us in the darkness of despair:
In the hospital room when a final diagnosis is rendered; in the rehab center of a struggling addict; in the prison cell of the guilty; in the mental facility of the forgotten; and in the hospice room of those awaiting their final breath.
God is with us in the fog of disbelief:
When suffering takes its toll on us; when a tidal wave of grief crashes over us; and when the only view ahead is dark, unfamiliar, and daunting.
God is with us whenever and wherever there is suffering.
God is with those who are suffering through Advent, revealing His life-altering promises of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
God with us means Hope
Because of Hope, we possess the strength to prevent today’s pain from extinguishing the brightness of tomorrow. Advent’s Hope carries us beyond earth’s troubles to affirm we do not grieve as those who have no hope.
God with us means Peace
The Peace of Advent soothes our rushed and wearied souls with a slow awakening to the true meaning of the Nativity: Immanuel! Advent’s Peace is a refusal to allow today’s suffering to grandstand the precious moments we once shared with our loved ones.
God with us means Joy
The Joy of Advent reminds us to turn our eyes away from the external, temporal realities and fix our gaze on the Spirit who is inwardly renewing us day by day. Advent’s Joy is God made man-- Jesus. He is the One who satisfies our souls and transforms a suffering heart. The Joy of Jesus is the fulfillment of our longings.
God with us means Love
The Love of Advent wraps us with tendrils of comfort and creeps with us along the path of healing. Advent’s love compels us to fight our sense of loss with a supernatural gratitude for what was, what is, and what is to come.
While we wait in our darkest moments, our sorrow, grief, despair, and suffering become beautiful packages for unwrapping the power of Advent: Hopeful waiting, Peaceful trust, Joyous reflection, and Loving redemption.
Our weaknesses and sufferings are perfectly countered by the strengthening and healing gifts of Advent.
Our sad and hurting hearts are beckoned and welcomed to the Nativity. The One who was born to save is the One who saves us from suffering through Advent.
He is Immanuel: God with us!
Waiting with you,