“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.” 1 Peter 1:6 ESV

Okay, hold it right there! He promised what?? Trials?? Why would He do that? I get the first part – we rejoice because of our imperishable inheritance of salvation. But why should the topic of trials get air-space during Christmas? Isn’t this the season of love and gifts? Shouldn’t we focus on the amazing birth of the Messiah and how sweetly He lay in the manger? Angels’ praises? Homage given by shepherds? Gifts from wise men who, though two years late to the party, eventually arrived?

While these scenes belong in the Christmas story, there is more. Jesus lay in a manger because no one bothered to give space to the Messiah. After the wise men stopped for directions, King Herod ordered the killing of all Bethlehem children two and under. During Jesus’ ministry, people argued with Him constantly. Twice they picked up stones to throw, yet He eluded them. His ultimate suffering was reserved for the appointed time when He died on the cross for my sins. Jesus promised we would have tribulation in John 16:33. Listen to the rest: “But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Lord, Thank You for not sugar-coating Your message – not omitting the truth that Christians will experience trials. Thank You also that trials are not forever, for You have overcome the world.

written by Jenny Hargis