Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11 ESV

Heavy clouds burst from the weight of their moisture, and I hear the splattering of steady raindrops. Outside my window, gray has settled across the atmosphere. Yet as I scan the horizon, flickering tiny lights catch my attention. My neighbor has adorned her balcony with Christmas lights. In the middle of my weariness, my heart remembers that there is a reason for great joy.

When rainy days loom, it’s not too difficult to hold on to hope. We’ve experienced enough cloudy hours to know the sun always shines again. But it’s not easy to cling to hope when darkness infiltrates our hearts and trouble enters our lives. I’ll admit, it’s a real struggle for me to bask in joy when the world around me is crumbling beneath my feet. We all know those times––whether it be illness, loss, rejection, or long days with unanswered prayers.

Perhaps God’s people felt that way before the birth of Christ