When you never have to worry

Rev. Paul Zabel

by Paul Zabel

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:29).

We are coming upon that time of year when many people often become anxious and begin to worry—even people who normally do not let things adversely affect them. Some of the reasons often cited for this include reduced sunlight and colder weather during this time of year. Then there is the increased difficulty of travelling on the roads that oftentimes become covered with ice and snow. In addition, there are all the increased activities that seem to come earlier and earlier each year in preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Our pastors are busy preparing for additional worship services; churches and Sunday schools find themselves discovering unique and special ways of presenting the account of our Lord’s coming for their congregational children and members. And there are, of course, the family traditions of Christmas dinners and celebrations that have to be just perfect or at least better than the ones that have been held before.

So many things to do before December 25 arrives that it can make your head spin and leave you wondering how to keep your head above water!

Speaking of water, a young lad one day happened to meet a man who was an officer in the Navy. The boy was anxious to know what all the emblems and stripes on his uniform meant. He pointed to one of the insignias and asked what it was. The officer explained that it was an anchor with a cross on it. “This means that I am a chaplain, a minister in the Navy,” explained the man. “Well, does that cross keep you up on the water?” asked the little boy. The chaplain smiled, thought for a moment and then replied, “Yes, that is exactly what it does. The cross keeps me and all of us above the water when the storms are raging and the waves are high. We never have to worry as long as we continue to look to the cross and what its meaning is for us!”

There are times in life when we are tempted to slip away from the cross, aren’t there? There are times when we are in danger of losing our security unless we come to ourselves and grasp the true meaning of our Lord’s coming and His suffering and death on the cross. These are days when the storms of the world around us rage fierce and furious. Times when people, places and things try to sweep us away from God and His wonderful love. But as long as we hold to the cross and what took place for us there, we do not have to be afraid, for there is no storm that can conquer it and no battle in which we cannot be victorious.

As long as we hold to the cross and what took place for us there, we do not have to be afraid, for there is no storm that can conquer it and no battle in which we cannot be victorious.

In the midst of all the preparations and celebrations of Christmas do not forget God! It is He who has the power to save us from every sin we commit and gives us the strength to resist all the temptations the devil can put before us. Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is the only power great enough to win the victory over sin, death, and the devil. It is impossible to put into words the rich blessings which come into our life from our Master. The whole world takes on a new vision and the things which are lasting and worthwhile come clearly into view. A refreshing spirit fills every moment of the day, and becomes a real part of eternity. He stands at the door of our hearts. He is food for the hungry, rest for the weary, love for the lonely! He never fails! So, we never have to worry!

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Rev. Paul Zabel is President of the East District of Lutheran Church–Canada.

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