The Blessed Hope

On Monday my wife and I were driving home from a marine survey that was performed for a boat we are looking to buy.  It happened to be the coldest day of the season so far.  During the drive home she had a seizure.  Research since then has shown it to be a Grand Mal seizure without the violent shaking and thrashing.  It was the first one she’s ever had and the only one I’ve ever been around.  I thought during this time that she was dying and there was nothing I could do about it.  It was a dramatic experience.  One we hope never repeats as 50% of those who have such a seizure never have another one.  Tests to date show no reasons for it and we are thankful at the absence of tumors, swelling, or blood leakage in the tests.

Even in this terrible time, I can’t help but reflect upon the importance of acknowledging the season of Christmas.  This is the season we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of the one true living God and the free gift of salvation to the world.  We must believe and trust in the person of Jesus and the Father God even when we are existing minute-to-minute in the shadows of death.  We must not fear the unknown but trust the known character of Almighty God who will not leave us or forsake us, but walk with us before all things, through all things, and after all things.  Without the birth of Jesus, none of this is possible.

I pray that I reflect honestly and openly about the significance of the birth of the Son of God, and our dependence upon Him for life.  True life.  Everlasting life.  Jesus was born because God cares for us and loves us even though we are covered in sin.  If only we’ll seek to repent and turn toward Him forever.

We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. – Titus 2:13-14