Day 8
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content…. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11, 13
A lot can happen in 365 days. Think back a year. What were your hopes for this year? Did they come true? On the other hand, did some things happen this year that you never saw coming?
The future is uncertain, but there’s one thing you can always count on: things change. Life happens in seasons, and change is the only constant. Up and down. High and low. Joy and pain. King Solomon—the wisest man ever—describes the ebb and flow of life this way:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
As another year comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on how things have changed—how you’ve changed. How can we look forward to next year with joy and anticipation, regardless of our circumstances?
The answer is Christ! We can do all things—all of life’s seasons—in the strength he gives us. Plenty and hunger, abundance and need. We can be content because of Christmas—because Christ has come!
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Catch up Days 1-7 of our Christmas Devotional here.