At the first Christmas, Mary was given a painful sword, but it was a sword sheathed with comfort. Are you going through pain this Christmas? Then join Mary in embracing the five comforts God gave her in her trial: the comfort of knowing (1) that suffering is normal for Christians, (2) God is in control, (3) that he is preparing you for the future, (4) and that you are not alone. The greatest comfort of all—a comfort that nothing can take away from you—is (5) the comfort of having Christ as your Saviour. To receive Him is to receive pure joy this Christmas.

Scriptures Referenced: Luke 2:21-39; Rom. 8:28-29
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