Christ: The Treasure of Our Heartsنموونە

Advent is that time when Christians pause to remember the birth of Christ and the promised hope of salvation. Christmas celebrations often center on family, friends, and fellowship, including gift-giving, tree lighting, and Christmas dinner. For some, these events leave many pleasant memories. On the other hand, others shun the holiday because of the painful memories, personal losses, or the heightened sense of loneliness due to the absence of family and friends.

Yet, in today’s text, James calls us to be joyful even when the circumstances themselves are not. At the very outset of his letter, James’s first instruction to his readers is to think about their trials as occasions for rejoicing because those very difficulties test their faith and produce fruit that is to be treasured, i.e., steadfastness or an ability to remain faithful to Christ no matter what. Such endurance demonstrates the genuineness of our faith, a characteristic the apostle Peter described as more precious than gold (1 Pet 1:7) and therefore esteemed by God. Only such faith allows us to become complete in God (James 1:4). James’s perspective requires us to shift our mindsets from focusing on the difficulties themselves to the result God wants to accomplish in us. That result is an immovable faith that trusts God implicitly and abides in Him in all circumstances. But that can only be accomplished as we draw closer to God, trust in Christ, and look to Him for help and comfort when the circumstances are overwhelming. Our trials, therefore, become opportunities to know Christ better, for if we allow Him, He comes alongside us, offering His grace when we are weak, His Word to soothe and comfort, and His very self. Like the apostle Paul, we learn the fellowship of Christ through our suffering (Phil 3:10). We learn that He is trustworthy, that He is a precious treasure, and that He is to be treasured in return. This is the true promise of Advent, “Christ in us, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). In the process, we endure, we overcome, and obtain all that God has promised His children.

So regardless of our circumstances this Advent, let us look to Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:1-2), who ensured the cross because of the joy his salvation would accomplish. Let us learn from Him how to joyfully overcome.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, please change my perspective. Teach me how to be joyful when I face difficulties. In my turning to you, strengthen my faith and reveal yourself. Remind me that you understand how I feel at such times and fully embrace me in my weakness. You promised treasures out of darkness and hidden riches from secret places. May I find that my real treasure in all circumstances is You.

Andrea Francis, Ph.D., serves as an assistant professor for the Regent University School of Divinity.