On our first Christmas together in the first house we bought was special, so I decided to put up Christmas lights on the house. As I was up on the housetop clicking lights together, something instantly got my attention. My neighbor started chasing her husband around the yard with a large wrench while they yelling things at one another that would definitely put them on the eternal naughty list. The finally gave up. He went inside while she sat on the curb and beat the ground in front of her with the wrench. No one noticed me sitting on the roof twenty feet away. While I was attempting to light up our home like Chevy Chase in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”, they were reenacting an episode of “Cops: Christmas Edition”. From the safety of my rooftop, I asked if she was ok. She simply waved the wrench at me in a more friendly gesture and went inside. I thought all was well, as no one was hurt, so I proceeded to finish my lights. Sadly, about 2am the next morning, she knocked on our door, bloody and bruised. We invited her in and called the police.

While her husband was being arrested, we talked and prayed. This was not going to be a very merry Christmas for her. Maybe this Christmas contains chaos for you as well? Hopefully, it may not be domestic battery, but it could be that sickness, loneliness, grief, or a host of other issues have you banging your proverbial wrench on the ground. Thankfully he was arrested and she was safe, but how are you? Not to make light of my former neighbor’s horrible situation, but have you been wrestling with something that has left you bruised and battered? The angel in Luke 2:10 said, “Fear not. I bring you good news and great joy.” Maybe you need some better news and some joy? Jesus came to this earth to be the Savior of the world. That is the best good news you could ever hear. He gives joy that surpasses our circumstances. I pray you receive the good news and great joy that only Jesus can bring.

Question: Have you received the good news of the gospel that Jesus has come into this world to be your Savior?

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.