Bad stuff happens in life. We all know it. We all experience it. This side of heaven, Jesus never tells us otherwise and actually makes it clear, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). Despite this humbling reality, we rejoice this Christmas season and always that we have a God who loves us, who carries us, and who leads us forward in his holy name . . . even when bad things happen. What a blessing. What a truth!