A Christmas Reflection: Suffering, Uncertainty and the Gift of God’s Love

This past year, I have reflected more and done a deeper, more intentional search for God. The more I looked for God in the world, the more I saw Him active in my and others’ lives. No matter where I glanced, God was there—in the celebrations, the heartbreak, and everyday moments. As I mentally walk through December, I am in awe of how vast God’s love is for us and how bright His light can shine when His children, the Body of Christ, come together. In this dark world, seeing God at work amid several storms enlightened me. I witnessed His omnipresence, and it comforted me to know our Heavenly Father can tend to all our needs while leaving no one’s side.

Extended family members and several friends felt uncertain about how this Christmas would look. Emergency health issues, unplanned surgeries, and seasonal flu bugs significantly altered plans. Yet, the joy and love that flowed from each situation were more prevalent than the heartache. It was truly inspiring!

From where I sat, the view was nothing short of beautiful. No, I did not find any of the suffering beautiful, but what the suffering birthed was breathtaking. Love flowed from every direction, and people exhibited kindness. The love of Jesus Christ met needy hearts in ways that only He can orchestrate. Family circles strengthened with God at the core.

Those hurting allowed themselves to be vulnerable and sought prayer, which ignited an army of prayer warriors to run to the throne of God and ask for His mercy over the person suffering physically. We asked God to give the tired spouse, child, or parent sitting beside their loved one the rest they needed and the strength to take the next required step. We requested Him to infuse the medical staff with wisdom and pled with the Almighty Physician to provide a medical miracle. Our compassionate God heard every prayer, gave significant answers, and bestowed multiple miracles.

Amid all the suffering, I saw joy pouring from hurting hearts and people rallying around one another, offering comfort. They did so with prayer, fasting, and sacrificing to provide for others before themselves. The sights and sounds of praise for milestone moments on someone’s journey of restored health encouraged those suffering and blessed those witnessing God’s miracle moments.

In these moments of unity with Christ, we feel something that changes how we face a situation. We realize the calmness that is replacing the anxiety from uncertainty. Hope and peace fill the gaps created by unplanned, undesired, and tragic moments. An overall heartwarming fulfillment takes over, and we know that no matter what happens, we will be okay. That, my friend, is God’s powerful love! He manifests His unparalleled love in the physical gift He sent to dwell among us thousands of years ago: Baby Jesus, the Son of God.

Have you received this gift yet? If you haven’t, it’s not too late. If we have breath in our lungs, we can accept and experience the power of God’s love. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t limit His one-of-a-kind gift to Christmas. His love is available to us every hour of every day, all year long. No matter where we are on our journey or what we are going through, we can run into God’s outstretched arms. He requires nothing from us in exchange for His love; we need only accept it.

An Invitation

I invite you to start 2025 filled with God’s love and ask Him to give you a new lens through which to view His world. Let’s choose to look for God in our and others’ lives, and let’s be loud about what we see! Tell a friend, share a God Moment on your social media page, and don’t forget to tell God, “I see what You are doing! Thank you!”

Will you join me in praying that all our family and friends accept the gift of God’s love in the year ahead? If more hearts embrace His love, God’s family, the Body of Christ, will grow exponentially. 

Though the mountains move and the hills shake, my love will not be removed from you and my covenant of peace will not be shaken,” says your compassionate Lord.
~ Isaiah 54:10 (CSB)