Here Comes the Son

“For those who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing." ~ Malachi 4:2

Rain pelted the airplane window beside her seat. For some, driving rain is a soulful massage. But for Corinne, it brought back a familiar fear of flying. She said a prayer, tightened her seatbelt; then placed the flight in God’s capable hands. But the weather wasn’t helping.

As the plane rocketed skyward, a blanket of fear gripped Corinne as heavy and dense as the cloud ceiling. Her heart raced. She had to keep reminding herself to breathe as her body jerked, jostled, and lifted off the seat.

Suddenly, the plane broke through the storm. The plane leveled off just as the cabin filled with luminous golden light. Corrine gazed out the window. No more rain. Beneath them stretched a carpet of fluffy white clouds. Up here, the sun had been shining brilliantly all along!

George Harrison’s iconic song “Here Comes the Sun,” gently tickled her attention. It was the ultimate celebration of sunshine; the promise of things to come.  

Harrison wrote the lyrics at a gloomy time in rock history. It reflected his need for respite during the chaos dominating the Beatles’ final days before their breakup. He sought refuge from the turmoil in Eric Clapton’s garden, finding hopefulness in the sun’s radiance. “It’s been a long cold lonely winter but here comes the sun.” Winter is about discontent, and we all seem to be living through a metaphorical winter presently.

But Christmas is about God’s Son coming to earth and becoming flesh. It’s how God’s redemptive plan not only unfolded but was fulfilled! Most of all, Christmas inspires hope.

It’s an amazing story, one that becomes more incredible with every telling. The King of Kings came as the Son. He left the splendor of glory to roam a broken world, to suffer and die for self-centered rebels. The Messiah wasn’t born in a palace but probably in a cave, perhaps a lamb’s stone water trough. He lived as a pilgrim, denied the small luxuries even afforded animals. 

Despised and rejected, then subjected to a painful public crucifixion. And he did so intentionally and willingly so that those rebels would be forgiven. So that those separated from God would have a home with Him forever.  So that grace will be given to those in desperate need.

Light shines brightest in darkness. The Christmas story brings an overriding message of HOPE. God didn’t come into our world at high noon. He entered our lives in darkness - showing us the light, guiding us toward love, and demonstrating how to overcome the shadows.  Even when things seem dark, we can TRUST the everlasting light. Now that’s something worth celebrating!

Loving Father, help us remember Jesus’ birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Amen