Luke 2:10-11

Today’s Advent challenge is to encourage someone who is going through difficult and discouraging times this Christmas season. Pray for guidance in this matter, and whatever you do, do it in the name of Jesus.

“IN THOSE DAYS,” Perhaps we have all said at some time, “It’s going to be one of those days.” Have you noticed that Advent often comes during a month of THOSE DAYS?

Mary and Joseph had enough to worry about, and then another burden was added. This poor young couple, who were expecting a baby, would have to walk eighty miles to Bethlehem to register for taxes.

There is a song that will not make the favorite list of Christmas Carols, but it is silently sung by some during this time of the year. “If we make it through December, everything’s gonna be all right, I know.” For many, Christmas comes during those kinds of times: when jobs are lost, bills are unpaid, loved ones are absent…

It is in THOSE DAYS that we light the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. on the Advent wreath. Hard times need not rob a Christian home of these things. There is a candle that burns in the middle of our lives: the candle of Christ. We light them while wondering and even worrying. Yet, “Everything is going to be all right we know.” If not soon, we will hold on to faith, and sing the hymn: “Someday, No more heartaches. Someday, No more sorrow. All Heaven will be mine someday.”

“Don’t be afraid! I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem!” Luke 2:10-11