Soul-filled Beyond a Shot of Endorphins

Waiting in line I experienced a special few moments. A woman was giving one item at a time to the cashier making sure she did not go over the twenty she had in her hand. The person behind her said, “Just get them all and I will cover anything extra.” The woman was appreciative, of course. But what was striking, was what happened to all of us around her. Suddenly the cashier started talking about her dog. A couple shoppers behind me in line started talking about their holiday plans. For those few moments we became one — kind, hopeful, even joyful. It was transforming.

The airwaves are filled with heart-warming stories of kindness and generosity. Churches are reaching out to those in need. The public is awash in opportunities to help the less fortunate. Truly, for those of us of faith, we understand the real reason for the outpouring of giving that this season inspires — God showed his love in giving us his son, Jesus.

Yet, God is not just a sentimentalist who likes to give us a good shot of endorphins. God saw our tears. God felt our fears. God experienced our pain. God understood all the ways life can break our spirits, take our breath away and make our future seem bleak, even hopeless.

Under all our sentimentalism and good will, God was and is addressing all the fears and suffering that can consume us. This is what the Lord wants us to grasp deep within our souls as we receive Jesus into our world. Jesus has overcome the world, conquered every enemy of our body, mind and soul, and redeemed our suffering so that our peace may pass all human understanding, our hope may abound, and our future be secure in the life that awaits us.

May the fullness of Christ’s birth so fill your heart and soul that you will be able to rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy!