The gift that lasts forever

By Ellen Shuck

"I certainly hope next year turns out better than this year's been," Betty said.

She and I were talking as we left Mass on a Sunday.

It was getting close to Christmas, and expectations were high. The promise of hope and love and companionship was in the air. Smiles were opening up all around.

The celebrating priest gave a wonderful homily -- one full of happiness, help and friendship. This was all coming about because of one gift that had been given to humankind years ago. The gift was that of a baby. The baby of whom I'm speaking was Jesus.

Even though people go through seemingly insurmountable obstacles and experience hardship too difficult to explain or even think about, that birthday of the infant called Jesus brings inexplicable joy and faith.

That faith is in an unbroken future -- one that dares not hint of lasting sorrow. And if it does, people know they never will have to face suffering alone. Rather, they will carry the gift of Christmas with them wherever they go -- forever and ever.

Betty outlined why this particular year had been so difficult. She shuddered to think of repeating a like circumstance.

Her mother encountered a heart attack, another close relative died, and her son was involved in a near-fatal accident. His survival was assurance a miracle of God had occurred in his midst.

So many people I've known have endured what is almost inhuman, indescribable and torturous to their soul and spirit. But they've survived the trauma, and they are still able to hope and depend on a higher power.

I call that higher power God -- the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

God the Father arranged for a baby to come into the world so everyone would have a future like you could never imagine. One so magnificent and beautiful, your senses bubbled over merely thinking of it. You couldn't compare it with a land of milk and honey, because it far surpassed that description.

Jesus encouraged the disciples with words of comfort when they were frightened and depressed. He said, "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And wither I go, you know the way" (John 14:1-4).

The gift of Jesus Christ, that baby born in a manger on that cold, cold night, is no longer a baby. Rather, he became a man who sacrificed for men and women so our temporary life on earth and our eternal heavenly one would be protected.

Jesus' birth offers comfort and security to your daily life -- to what you must endure and sacrifice.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

If you are experiencing difficult times in your life, remember you are not alone. Jesus is always with you. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18).

Many say, "It can't get any worse." Things always can get worse, but if you have inner strength and take one problem at a time, you can survive. You will become stronger, and your faith will blossom as never before.

Often your trials are rejection, constant criticism from other people and seemingly bad luck. But when you begin to celebrate the birth of Jesus and apply his blessings and promises to mankind, you, too, will be able to dance, be joyful and lose your fear.

Celebrate being alive and free, remembering Jesus is with you always. "Believe it."

Let his be the first gift you open every Christmas morning, knowing it's the gift that lasts forever.