Though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him. Job 13:15a
“It is a great comfort in tribulation if, in times of adversity, we recall the gifts our Creator has given us. Nor will overwhelming sorrow break us, if we quickly call to mind the gifts that have sustained us.”
Gregory the Great (540-604) in Job as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 665.
As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, it may not be a joyous occasion for everyone. Seriously, think of every person you know who has experienced tribulation, adversity, or sorrow this year. Now imagine their pain at this moment.
Send them a note, a text, or an email. Help lift their sights to our Creator. Share the grace you have received in hard times. And remind them that when we “call to mind the gifts” that God has showered upon us, that have sustained our lives, it helps us hold on to hope.
And if you want a gift to share with them, download the ebook called Flourish. Jenni and I wrote it with our friend Linda Maris. Download it here (along with other ebooks for free from GTP) in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. Share it with anyone you think needs help holding on to hope.