“How Are You REALLY Doing?”
A Christmas Message
Text: Proverbs 14:13
“Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, and the end of joy may be grief.”
How many of you have been a swimming pool and have attempted to sit on a beach ball in order to keep it underwater? It is quite a difficult task that could quickly wear someone out. When we picture in our mind’s this illustration, I am convinced this Christmas Season (as well as the rest of the year) that there are precious souls who are going about their day who outwardly look fine, but inwardly are a mess. Perhaps you may be one of these folks. They are a mess because of a divorce, a disobedient child, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a financial crisis, an ongoing or terminal illness, an unexpected pregnancy, the loss of health care, alcohol, substance, physical, or sexual abuse, etc. Perhaps you may even think that life is not worth living any longer.
This text of just one verse is intensely profound, and i am convinced that most of us can relate to it. We communicate with others on a daily basis, whether they be co-workers, family, friends, post office clerks, deli workers, bank employees, or total strangers. Outwardly these folks may look fine, but some are deeply hurting. I know. I have been there on more than one occasion and can testify that one of the hardest things to do is to smile or laugh when you really don’t want to. When your mind is pre-occupied with sadness, fear, physical pain, or uncertainty. We want others to think that we are ok and can handle anything, but when we go home and remove the “window dressing”, all of the outward front we displayed is stripped away and the beach ball that was vigorously concealed throughout the day comes up to the surface. You feel like you are helpless and have nowhere to turn. You get up each day and repeat that same process.
Friend, if this profound illustration has described you or someone you know, I want you to know that you do not have to live in a diseased body any longer. I say diseased because quite simply, a mind and body that is not relaxed and at ease is just the opposite, dis-eased. The trap that i believe that many folks fall into is that they place their hope for contentment and peace in someONE or someTHING that they can see, hug, or touch. However, the problem with that is that people like me and you are sinners and will disappoint each other, and material possessions were never meant to minister to our souls. Trying to gain peace and contentment by anything seen, with much respect, is like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. It won’t fit.
Friends, there is only one source of hope and peace this Christmas and everyday. Seven hundred years before His coming to earth, the Prophet Isaiah wrote of the incarnation of Jesus Christ in Isaiah 9:6; “For a child will be born to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus, in speaking to a crowd in whom many were burdened about their sins and were looking for the peace to know in no uncertain terms that they can be unconditionally forgiven, said this:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
So how are you REALLY doing this Christmas? Are you or someone you know weary and heavily burdened? In life, we make choices every day. Two thousand years ago, a choice was made in Heaven. We are told in John 3:16 that God The Father loved sinners like me and you so much that He sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ to come to earth as the sinless God-Man who would die on a cross to pay the sin-debt of those who would surrender their lives to His wonderful display of grace through helpless faith. Now the choice is ours. You do not have to sit on that beach ball any longer. How desperate are you to gain lasting peace? Ten years ago, I made the choice to follow Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. By faith and by a growing understanding of the Word of God, I have eternal life and eternal peace, and you can have the same.
If you would like to talk with me, our Pastor Dave Cooke, or one of our Deaconesses, please call our office at 727-4112 or email us at calbapriverhead@optonline.net.
Have a blessed Christmas,
Steve Visconti
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.