The journey to Bethlehem had been long. A wearied trip, swollen ankles, and a wrestling match between fear and faith, had just about been more that she could handle. “Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” And now it is the morning, a baby coos along with the dove on the rafters above. A child is born, a Son is given. He has the eyes of his Mother, and the heart of his Father. Like a light that vanishes the darkness, joy and love have cast out her sorrows.

Thirty three years later He would bring back memories of that Bethlehem morning. Now, another evening had come, and a long hard night awaited. She had given him birth, and she would watch him die. Dear Bethlehem Mother, we can’t stop the night, but neither will they stop the morning.

These are His words: “… A woman has pain when her time to give birth comes. But after the child is born, she doesn’t remember the pain anymore because she’s happy that a child has been brought into this world. Now you are in a painful situation. But I will see you again. Then you will be happy, and no one will ever take that happiness away from you.” John 16:20-22

The words of Jesus are faithful and true, and I especially hope that all who have tears and broken hearts today will keep on believing. Christmas morning has now come again, and so will our Lord come with the morning of a new day. Then the words “Merry Christmas” will be realized in a way that we could never have imagined possible.

“May the sick find healing’s touch,
May hatred’s fight be one with love,
And may every heart make room for You,
The one who came to save us.

‘Cause You’re still the hope of Christmas,
You’re still the light when the world looks dark,
You’re still the hope of Christmas,
And You’re still the hope of my heart.”