JESUS IS THE ANSWER
UPDATE FROM BARNEY: We continue to move through the holiday season, experiencing times of absolute joy, filled with wonderful memories. Then waves of sorrow will wash over me at times, as well. My prayers go out to those of us who have lost loved ones. God is so good!
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As the Christmas Eve service began, the pastor invited all the kids to the front for a short children’s message. He began by describing an animal with antlers and a bushy tail. “Can you guess what I’m describing?” No response. “It’s brown and is very popular this time of year. There’s even a song about it.” He paused, certain that one of the tykes would guess the answer. Silence. He couldn’t believe it, so out of desperation he said, “It pulls a sleigh and has a red blinking nose.”
Finally, one little boy timidly raised his hand and replied, “I know the answer is supposed to be Jesus, but it sure sounds like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer to me!”
This young lad inadvertently uncovered a struggle many of us face. He wanted to give the correct religious answer, but no matter how hard he tried, it just didn’t work. How true this is of many of our pat answers to the challenging questions of life. Too often we lock ourselves into our own religious boxes and miss the obvious.
But here’s something even more profound. In a sense, Jesus is the answer. He’s the answer to all the deep, meaningful questions that trouble our lives. Jesus is the answer to the loneliness that plagues millions during the holiday season (Matthew 28:20). Jesus is the answer to the hopelessness that gnaws at the souls of those who feel like giving up (1 Peter 1:3). Jesus is the answer to the instability and lack of purpose that characterize our times (Matthew 7:24–27).
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end—everything from A to Z. He’s our Living Hope, the Light of the World, and our Rock. He’s the sum of all that is beautiful, righteous, and true. The answer is Jesus. Now what’s the question?
This Christmas season is especially difficult for me, facing the loss of my beloved Linda less than three months ago. But in the midst of my pain, I’m so blessed to be surrounded by friends and family. More than anything, though, I’m sustained by the presence of Jesus. For me, I can heartily amen the young man’s comment. Jesus is the answer to my struggles.
Whatever question plagues you; whatever struggles you face–whether during the Christmas season–or throughout the year–we can say with confidence, Jesus is the answer.
Principle: Jesus is the answer to all that matters.
Ponder:
In what ways have you found Jesus to be the answer to all your needs?
In what areas of your life do you need to seek the answers Jesus offers?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Revelation 1:10–20.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, there are so many unfulfilled needs in my life. Please saturate me with your presence and help me know you really are the answer to all my needs.
Taken from The Perfect Gift, Copyright © 2024 by Barney Cargile. Used by permission of Our Daily Bread Publishing®, P.O Box 3566, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. All rights reserved. Further distribution is prohibited without written permission from Our Daily Bread Publishing at permissionsdept@odb.org
You can purchase my books Thriving in Quarantine and Thriving in Troubled Times on Amazon. They make great gifts! Here are the links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BGDW2NV
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P3RYM5R/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_VrXVFbVVZNEVA