The Encourager – December 2, 2021 – Unto Us a Son is Given

Last night I learned that a sweet younger woman whom I love has heard distressing news about the baby boy she is carrying. I have four good friends who have lost beloved sons well after birth. Several friends have had miscarriages. Others are suffering silently from the ongoing sorrow of infertility. Still more are single women who would love to have children, but have never had the opportunity to try. I know that Mother’s Day is especially hard for all of these ladies, but is Christmas hard for the same reason?

Here they are: reading the Christmas story, hearing sermons, putting up decorations, wrapping gifts, going to parties, and singing carols about a young woman having a precious healthy baby. But their cradles are bare. Oh how my heart goes out to these women!

My sympathy as a sister in Christ can only go so far. Of course I pray for these dear ones, and try to help if I can. But there is only One who understands fully, who sees into the very heart of pain and bathes it in His lovingkindness. He says, “Come unto Me.” But what if your heart’s burden is not children, but some other issue? Is it social, financial, spiritual, physical? Whatever is the one thing you cry out to God about, He hears. And He understands.

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:15-16

In this vale of tears, my friend heard bad news about her son. Mary heard good news about the baby boy she was carrying, the Child who would be the hope of salvation for all who believe. As the angel said to the shepherds, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:10-11 ESV Did you catch that? Unto YOU. For ALL people. This Son is for you.

I don’t know what to say to those whose hearts are breaking, except the words of Jesus Christ, Son of God. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

I can also say with full confidence that God loves you and He does all things well. We may not understand why, but someday we will. I do know that every trial brings us closer to “the quilted heart,” the suffering heart of Jesus, who was pierced for our transgressions. I also know that every trial is preparation for ministry. As you see God meet you in your need, you will be able to comfort others with the comfort you have received from Christ.

As joy comes in the morning, may you be encouraged in this season.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

God is faithful,
j