Author: Apostle J. Sturm

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2: 7

A mother in labour. Delivering a baby in a place for animals. The most important birth of all time. Stressful times for Mary? Without a doubt. Yet Mary’s joy was greater by learning to love in challenging times. She put her Son first and the needs of others ahead of her own.

Jesus also learned to love others in challenging times like the time Mary brought a “problem” to her Son. Out of love, He turned water into wine at a wedding, despite it not yet being His time to save the day (cf. John 2: 4). More significantly, while slowly dying on the cross, Jesus put His own suffering aside to make sure someone looked after His mother (cf. John 19: 27). 

Are you going through challenging times? Is it due to the fact that life hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic normal yet seems busier than ever? Or is it, as some studies say, due to the majority of people saying the holidays are the most stressful time of year?

Your ability to love in challenging times is your key to success. Loving others means doing good – in itself an elixir – and creates a pause for problems. More importantly, your ability to love in challenging times, as Jesus and Mary taught, can help inspire others do the same.

Merry Christmas and Jesus’ peace to you!