The Suffering Servant Has Come

As I approach Christmas, I can feel that there is—inherently—a sense of longing that swells this season, especially having lost my child on this earth. I have a biblical longing for all to be made right, for the gap between this world and the next to be gone, for the righteous King of all to return—not as a baby this time, but as the One coming on the clouds carrying all victory over sin and death. The reality that this world is missing what I most desire is all the more pronounced through my unique, acute, and raw awareness of how empty this life can feel. And yet—do you feel the rush of this season too? I don’t mean the rush of mall visits or meal preparations while Christmas music fills the chilled air. I mean the urgency that the Apostle Peter writes of when He says that “the end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7). Though I wait for Christ to return, I am also in a season of history when much has already happened on God’s calendar for this world. The Suffering Servant has come, has paid for the sins of those who believe in Him, and has all power and authority to usher believers into sweet and glorious perfection. His return is coming, and He could come at any moment. That is why the Apostle Peter writes for his readers to be alert and clear-minded so that they can pray while investing themselves in the coming kingdom instead of placing hope in this one (1 Peter 4:7). He is coming! Now that I have a daughter, Noelle, in heaven, Christmastime surfaces a mix of themes for me on this earth, including waiting for active relationship with with my daughter, joy because she has joy, and peace through sharing a great Redeemer with her. Yet, Christmas itself has the same meaning as ever, though I understanding its implications, personally, even better after loss. The Lord of glory becoming man. The God-Man born for me. The One who sought me and saved me, incarnate. The Baby who was born to die. The greatest gift I have ever received. The Lord of all existing in a humble state. The Master of all creation with love in His eyes for my very soul. My hope. And I rely on Him more now than ever. As you continue, create, or even take a pause from your traditions for Christmas this year—traditions that are especially poignant to hearts that have lost dear treasures of people who would otherwise be here in all the festivities with us right now—remember that God came with a plan to be the hope of your life. He has not taken His eyes off of you for a moment, and He will be returning again. Be truly blessed, even in the pain, as you remember the Lord of Christmas who upholds you and draws your longing heart near, who gives you peace by way of Himself.

Lianna (@liannadavis) is wed to Tyler and mom of two dear daughters. She is author of Made for a Different Land: Eternal Hope for Baby Loss(Hope Mommies, 2019). More of her writing can be found at her website.