“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Life has plenty of snafus. We want everything to go right and be perfect, but then “stuff happens.” It may be the weather, a sudden change in plans, a misunderstanding, or a long list of things. Looking back over the years we remember some that were heartbreakers that brought tears and disappointment; some were just funny. A few came because the saints weren’t feeling very saintly with each other and Peace on earth was not peace in the church.

Today we wonder why we let some of them bother us so much. Why did we worry and waste a season of life that we never got back? As time passed some of it seems so silly now.

The point is this: Our life on earth is a privilege, and time is a precious gift; why should we waste a minute of it with that kind of foolishness? Today’s unkindness becomes tomorrow’s ongoing unhappiness. Pouting through life brings about a cancerous soul; and “crying over spilled milk” is a waste of tears. In the words of the Bible, “Brothers and sisters, these things ought not to be so.”

The drill sergeant said, “Wipe that grin off your face.” We took him seriously, but those days were long ago, and I think that I will keep my laugh now. Perhaps it is time for us to put a smile back on. Bishop Ralph S. Cushman wrote, “Come out into the sunlight, heart of mine; why linger in the shadows and repine! … O come into the sunshine, Soul of mine; never were you made for darkness, Life is thine!”

If you can sing that “All is well” this Christmas, then rejoice and be glad. If all isn’t well, there is good news: Christ the Savior is born and risen with healing in his wings.

When this Christmas is over, it is over; there is not a second chance at Christmas 2024, and who can tell what 2025 will be? Let each day count

“All is well, all is well
Let there be peace on earth
Christ is come, go and tell
That He is in the manger
Sing A-le
Sing Alleluia”