So many people, even famous philosophers, let the existence of evil, pain and suffering in the world throw them for a loop. Christians struggle to give an answer to non-believers who raise these subjects as objections to the existence of a good God. 
But we should remember that, with love, the stakes are high, because love cannot exist without personal volition, and volition can lead to bad choices. That’s why God was taking a huge risk when He made man in His own image.Then He risked it all by sending His son to be born as one of us on that first Christmas.
So, this Christmas, think of the risk God took to show us His love. And, if Christmas this year finds you grieving a loss, you might want to consider the words of Steve Bell, “How can we say that God has cheated us when this crush of grief is proof that we have loved?” Yes, love exists even in this fallen world. And it is clearly on display when, out of love, God gave us the greatest gift of all, Jesus. Let’s offer the real Jesus to others this Christmas season. But remember, presenting Jesus to others raises the stakes to the uttermost, because precisely at that moment when Jesus is presented, eternity hangs in the balance.
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
P.S.
Christmas in the Seattle area doesn’t often bring snow, but the National Weather Service just released this Special Weather Statement, and I’m excited:
LOWLAND SNOW POSSIBLE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO EARLY CHRISTMAS MORNING … CONFIDENCE IS INCREASING IN THE SNOW FORECAST. AT THIS POINT THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT SOME LOCATIONS IN WESTERN WASHINGTON WILL HAVE A WHITE CHRISTMAS.
Here’s a song on YouTube that captures what Christmas is like here in the great Northwest. It’s titled, what else, Christmas in the Northwest? Listen, watch and enjoy!
H L Wegley