A Christmas marked by suffering is not surprising, is not unusual, is not unique to me. But one that is painful, nonetheless.

As I've slowly come out of the nausea, the fatigue, the ick, the dauncy--I'm graeful to be here with my family. So many good gifts surround me. And yet, suffering is what mars our humanity.

As the rain streaked down the van window, tears streaked down my face. The neighborhood Christmas lights mocked me with their twinkling. They offered a hollow promise of joy.

But, is it hollow? This light in the dark--this message of Christmas? The anger and sadness in my heart melted as our Spotify account played "A Cradle Carol." 

Jesus, who never experienced any limitations, pain, suffering, injustice, or weakness, chose to enter into my world that long ago Christmas night. He became embodied so as to suffer perfectly in my place. His ultimate goal--to reverse this pain and rescue me (us!) from it. This is the meaning of Christmas--a tiny flickering in the dark that hope is coming. The night will not always be dark. Morning, relief, joy, healing are already on the way.

Here are the lyrics of the song:
 

Lord Jesus, Savior, infant weak,
Why come to earth as one so meek?
A newborn babe, helpless and small;
And yet Creator of us all.

Thou hast no beauty, form, nor grace;
No fortune, rank, no fame, no place
That men should see Thee and adore
A babe so humble and so poor.

But to the soul whose eyes are healed,
To whom the Truth has been revealed,
Thy glory challenges the sun;
Thou art a thousand joys in One.

Though strangers see a babe in straw,
Thy children see the Lord of all
Who laid aside His rightful reign
To take away our sin and shame.

This sacrifice of love divine,
This condescension to mankind
With beauty robes Thy lowly frame,
And sanctifies Thy simple name.

O aid my worship, Mighty King,
That I might with the angels sing,
“Glory to God on high!”
Now crowned again beyond the sky!

Oh, help me see Thee and adore
This little child, my God and Lord. 

While the message of this song is meaningful, as is, I have to tell you that it spoke to me because I know the author. These lyrics were written by my best friend. Hers is a faith hard won, through various sufferings. Her words of truth are not simple parroted Christian phrases. She has faced pain and sorrow, and yet, she places her hope in Jesus Christ. Where else can we go? He has the words of eternal life. 

Thank you, Jesus, for being born. Hope is here! Merry Christmas!