All Is Well
Christmas can often cover our worries. And then sometimes this makes the problems feel even bigger when we come down to earth after being distracted. And even if life is good, we know there are big problems and great suffering in this world.
In real life, God would have his children know that all is well. This is a consistent message in the Bible: "Don't be afraid... I am with you... I'm in control of everything... Whatever I bring to you is for your good... You will not be tempted beyond your ability... I will never leave you or let you go... I hear your prayers." In other words, all is well.
This message echoes through scripture. From Noah and his family being cared for during the flood, to Moses being guided through the Red Sea to escape Egypt, to Jesus sending the disciples out to spread the gospel and telling them that he will never leave. God is present and in control. Even in moments of apparent chaos and pain, God is caring for his children.
But for those, like me, who sometimes struggle, it can be a challenge to trust. It's easy to get caught in the struggle and not see the reality of God's relentless, overflowing love for us. We face illness, loss, financial hardship, relational struggles, and countless other challenges that can make us question whether all is truly well.
But God is a good Father. He set his thoughts on you before creation, and the reason you believe is because he opened your heart to the gospel (Acts 16:14). Jesus did not die in vain, and he will never let us go.
Think about the first Christmas. In a world of Roman occupation, political unrest, and social upheaval, God orchestrated every detail of Jesus' birth. A census brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, fulfilling ancient prophecy. Shepherds in their fields received heaven's announcement through angels, and wise men followed a star across vast distances to find Jesus. In chaotic circumstances that seemed less than ideal – a crowded town, no room at the inn... the Savior was here and all was perfectly well according to God's plan.
This truth extends beyond the Christmas story. Every moment of Jesus's life, from his humble birth to his sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, was part of God's perfect plan for our redemption. When Christ cried out on the cross, "It is finished," he declared the completion of God's master plan for our salvation. In that moment of seeming defeat, all was well.
The same remains true in our lives today. Behind every struggle, every tear, every moment of uncertainty, God's promises hold firm. He works all things together for the good of those who love him. This isn't wishful thinking or a cover-up for life's harsh realities. It's the deepest truth of our existence... we are loved and kept by a God who never fails.
Some day we will see clearly, and we'll understand just how perfectly faithful God has been. And how do we know this? Two thousand years ago Jesus came down for you. That baby in the manger was God's ultimate declaration that all is well – not because life is easy or pain-free, but because God himself entered our world to secure our eternal good.
Christmas isn't a cover-up for life's difficulties. Instead, it's the unveiling of God's solution. It's the revelation that even in a world marred by sin and suffering, God's love breaks through. The manger points to the cross, and the cross points to the empty tomb, all declaring the same message: All is well because God is with us.
God, you are the great Sovereign who is always caring for and saving your children. I'm sorry for looking around at the disruptions of this life and doubting. Thank you for loving me even though I struggle with trust. Please cause me to know that all is well.
Let's end with this message of hope and promise from Luke 2:14:
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
Song: All Is Well