The Gift that Keeps Giving

This is the time of year when we relish that “all is calm and all is bright,” but a few minutes spent watching the news or reading the headlines oftentimes triggers the feeling that the world is out of control.

Economic turmoil has the financial experts on edge; wars are producing families of refugees seeking safety, peace, and hope; and unstable governments are headed by leaders admittedly needing counsel. It’s become abundantly clear that things in this world are not right.

As God’s children, we can take comfort because we are in a unique position. We can give thanks from a joyful heart, regardless of how things look around us. Yes, the world needs rescuing, but we can rejoice in the truth we know: Jesus is God (Jn 14:6, 9; Mk. 2:5–7).

The God that came as a Jewish baby in a manger more than 2,000 years ago—and birthed Christmas—is seated at the right hand of our heavenly Father, continuously gives us so much more than was anticipated. He has already won, and this will never change (Heb. 13:8).

The One who has been given all authority loves us, likes us, and is actively working to bring about His Father’s plan (Jn. 5:19–20).

At some point, absolutely everything will be brought under Jesus’ full control. Everything will be fully redeemed to the glory of God’s original design. We can rejoice that His reign will be an actual event we will thoroughly enjoy as evil is completely destroyed once and for all.

That is our future. And even though this event has yet to occur, we can follow Paul’s instructions and give thanks now.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes. 5:16–18)

Despite wars, faltering economies, and lack of wisdom among humans leaders, we can look toward the future with anticipation and thanksgiving.

We don’t give thanks because of the mess around us, but we can give thanks that Jesus is patiently and relentlessly working, taking what is chaotic and bringing it into divine order.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Ps. 34:1)

Today, right now, we can trust the Lord’s perfect leadership. (Jn. 4:34; 6:38)

When Adam and Eve sinned in disobedience against their Father, even then Jesus was God, patiently and effectively working out the Father’s plan.

When the earth was being destroyed by a flood, Jesus was God, patiently and effectively working out the Father’s plan.

As millions of Syrians seek refuge and hope, Jesus is God, patiently and effectively working out the Father’s plan.

When the nations come against Israel, Jesus will still be God, patiently and effectively working out the Father’s plan.

Despite how things look, we can thank our God for His kindness, His mercy, and His perfect plan. This is a reality that, like the birth of Jesus, is far better than we could ever imagine.

As we try to keep up with the pace of Christmas presents, parties, and preparations, we can rest in knowing who controls all things and give thanks for the forthcoming end results. We can be expectant about what He’s doing in the midst of crisis, knowing that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, because He who promised is faithful.