He rejoices over you…on the good days, on the hard days, and every day in between.

Dec 17, 2024

Christmas 2024 is nearly here. Snow has blanketed our yards, and Silent Night Holy Night, I’ll Be Home For Christmas, and Santa Clause is Coming to Town fill the radio waves. Christmas movies are on TV, Christmas cookies are in the oven, and children’s Christmas programs are bringing smiles to faces near and far.

For some, just the idea of Christmas brings relief, excitement, and happiness. There is anticipation that on Christmas, at least for a day, all might seem right with the world. We just know – or at least hope – that something good, something big, something amazing, is just around the corner. There will be time to reflect, time to rejoice, and time to just be among the people we love. In these homes, there will be laughter, love, and bliss.

For others, this Christmas will be very hard. This may be the year that there’s a newly empty seat at the table. Strained family relationships, stressful financial circumstances, and sometimes overwhelming daily life responsibilities are, for some, a real part of this holiday season. In these homes, there will be struggle, sadness, and a heaviness that threatens to steal the joy of this special time of year.

Regardless of how you are processing this Christmas season, remember these words from Zephaniah:

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
(Zephaniah 3:17 ESV)

Our joy is not fleeting or based just on this moment. Our hope is built on truth and a foundation of faith. God is in our midst. Christ was born in Bethlehem and did walk among us. He lived, He died, and He rose again! Because of Him, our sin has been forgiven and our debt has been paid. And one day, He will return!

He rejoices over you…on the good days, on the hard days, and every day in between. He will be able to calm you, and He will always welcome you into His tender arms. So, regardless of how you process this Christmas season, remember this promise and hold strong to your faith… The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.