The Christmas Challenge
written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to reside there as an alien, for the famine was severe in the land.”
Abram and Sarai were a couple fleeing to Egypt, not unlike Joseph and Mary after the birth of Jesus. Abram and Sarai were struggling with famine, while Mary and Joseph were leaving for Egypt, fleeing the violent threats of King Herod. Both couples were called by God to specific calls. But rather than God blessing them with peace, their lives became more challenging.
Most of us will not be fleeing to Egypt this Christmas, but we will be on a journey nonetheless. When the presents are unwrapped, the carols are sung, and the family is bid farewell, the Christmas journey will continue. God’s call will continue, and we will be pushed to our limits. The season often does not feel like “Peace of Earth.”
This passage and the story of Mary, Joseph, and the Babe show that being a person who responds to God’s call does not gain outer peace. In fact, the more faithful, the more God challenges us. Yet, God promises inner peace to handle the challenges and faith to respond in a Christ-like way. Abram and Sarai fulfilled God’s call, and their descendants were as many as there are stars in the sky. Mary and Joseph did keep the Messiah safe and suffered their challenges while making Jesus the center of their lives.
Today, pray for peace, peace for the world, and inner peace within your hearts. Don’t become bitter with God over the challenges you must face. God will give you the Spirit, which provides inner peace. Likewise, as God gave Sarai, Abram, Mary, and Joseph a safe haven in Egypt, God will provide moments of safety and peace in your world. It might be a vacation or a friend who eases your burden. God will not give you more than you can handle. The more challenges you face, the more inner peace God’s Spirit will provide. Trust in this Christmas promise.
