A Global Advent: 25 Stories of God With Us Around the WorldSýnishorn

Are you expecting a white Christmas this year?

Sometimes we wait for conditions to be just right for things to ‘feel like Christmas.’ Have you ever felt this way? The difficulty is, of course, things change. When our joy requires unwavering adherence to tradition and things beyond our control, we easily lose our sense of peace.

While Christmas is a time of joy for many, there is often sorrow there, too. One less plate on the table at our holiday gathering or a meal eaten alone. Disappointment with ourselves or others. Changes in health, finances, and relationships all threaten to steal our peace at Christmastime in more profound ways than the wrong weather on Christmas morning.

Still, Jesus came to be with us in our sorrows as well as our joys – sorrows He knows intimately and has suffered Himself. No matter what changes in our broken world, God offers His unfailing love to us here and around the world.

Unfortunately, the effects of change are direr for some. While we might dream of a white Christmas, people in Kenya pray for rain.

Photo Caption: Stella looks at the land changed by drought near her family home.

Things have changed in Kenya. Where seasonal rains were once predictable, in 2022, the rain failed to come for three seasons in a row. The ground is barren, there is hunger everywhere, and those who once made their living from the land have nothing.

And yet, amidst this, families like Stella’s are experiencing peace. Stella’s mother has three children and used to plant and harvest in season. They could feed the family and sell the rest. Now, other sources of income like wood gathering have replaced agriculture. The church in her village received help through Compassion to distribute life-saving food for families like hers, without which Stella might face malnutrition.

Photo Caption: Stella’s mother and siblings sit in their doorway.

Looking toward the future, the church has begun training families in new agricultural practices to that rely less on rainfall. The changes in practice will be difficult for many but could allow Stella’s family to thrive despite the drought, which may continue for years into the future.

Whether this Christmas season is full of all your favourite traditions or full of changes beyond your control, you can be sure that God’s faithful character has not changed.

Perhaps this is a good year to start a tradition. How can you remember those who are suffering and demonstrate the faithful love of God?