International (MNN) — The birth of Christ promises peace and joy beyond our circumstances — just as it did for the people living at the time of His birth 2,000 years ago.
For people facing heavy life circumstances, the Christmas refrain “Joy to the world” can feel out of reach. Joy can seem like a luxury when daily life is marked by stress, loss, and uncertainty.
Eric Mock of Slavic Gospel Association says the longing behind that struggle isn’t new. He points to Israel’s expectation of deliverance two thousand years ago — a hope that echoes what many people feel today as they wait for suffering to end and life to return to normal. He explains:
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“When Christ was born, they thought, ‘Oh, finally, here is the answer. The Romans will be gone, and life’s going to get easier. He’s going to establish the Kingdom. We’re going to be on top, and the poverty will be gone.’”
But many were blinded by their expectations. They wanted deliverance from Rome, and in doing so, missed the deeper rescue Jesus came to bring.
That same temptation remains today: to tie hope and joy to external circumstances — peace treaties, economic stability, or the end of hardship. But circumstances are fragile, and they can change overnight.
The remedy for weary hearts is not denial of suffering, but a shift of focus. Mock adds, “When we fix our eyes on Jesus, when we fix our eyes on that hope, when we saturate ourselves in the things of God, the ugliness of the sinful world begins to fade away, and the light of the Gospel comes to the forefront.”
World from space (photo courtesy of NASA via Unsplash)
Many people are enduring hardship and simply hoping it will end. Christians continue to pray for peace and safety, but Scripture reminds us that the world will remain broken until Christ returns.
That reality can feel heavy, but Mock says it also clarifies where lasting hope is found!
“Once we know that God is with us and recognizing we live in a broken and fearful world until Christ comes and establishes His kingdom, we recognize that in Christ we can have an everlasting hope,” he adds.
Pray that many people — especially those living under war and instability — find their ultimate hope in Jesus. Pray for peace, endurance, and for the light of the Gospel to shine even in places marked by darkness.
Visit Slavic Gospel Association to learn how they minister children this Christmas season!
Header photo courtesy of Ingmar via Unsplash.
