Day 6

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

In the glittering lights and festive joy of Christmas, it's easy to forget those silently wrestling with pain and loss. Yet, in the quiet corners of suffering, the promise of Psalm 34:18 resonates. The holiday season can magnify grief, loneliness, or illness, but in the midst of our struggles, God draws near. 

The incarnation, the very reason we celebrate Christmas, reminds us that God entered into our broken world. ​​In our trials, we encounter the God of boundless compassion, the source of unending comfort. He doesn't merely rescue us; He equips us to be vessels of solace. Through our own experiences of divine comfort, we become agents of His love. That means that Christians, whose hearts have been tenderized by suffering as well as grace, should extend the same comfort we've received, bringing healing to others in their moments of need.

Amidst the carols and joy, let us remember those wrestling with suffering. If that’s you, know that God hears you and sees you. May the hope of God's closeness be a healing touch for the brokenhearted, and may our celebrations be infused with empathy, reaching out to share the love that Christ brought into our brokenness.

Prayer:

Gracious God, in the midst of the celebrations, we acknowledge the silent suffering around us. Draw near to those in pain, and may your presence bring comfort and hope. Help us embody your love by extending compassion to those who need it most. In the name of Jesus, our Emmanuel, we pray. Amen.