The Cooling Stream

There are times in our lives when a death, a tragedy, or a sudden turn of events eclipses everything else. 

It happened to Mary, an unmarried young woman who was told that she would become the mother of the promised Messiah, God’s Son (Luke 1:26-33). 

When she asked how this could happen, the angel Gabriel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you." —Luke 1:35

Mary's response leaves us in awe: “Let it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

This Christmas season, as we consider the birth of Jesus into our world, it is worth pondering the word "overshadowed." 

It speaks so powerfully of the Lord’s presence in our hearts and His ability to outshine our darkest moments. 

In times of distress, familiar faces offer strength beyond description. They provide comfort for the deep feelings of loneliness setting in from the loss.

Martha and Mary were surrounded by friends and mourners who comforted them when their brother Lazarus died (John 11:19). Then the One they most longed to see, Jesus, came and wept with them.

In loss of any kind, Jesus always gives His comforting presence. We must do the same.

Often the best comfort is just being there.