Jesus’ words of comfort are backed by His supernatural power to fulfill His promises. His assurances are never shallow or meaningless, and they should not be dismissed as such.

Life’s burdens sometimes take us to the breaking point causing us to think we can’t go on. Our minds become overloaded with complex problems and painful circumstances over which we have no control.

The Psalmist tells us not to forget God’s benefits. Not only should we count our blessings, but we should also take inventory of all that’s available to us through God’s promises.

Of all the gifts you gave or received this Christmas, none is greater than the gift of eternal life.

This gift never goes out of style or becomes obsolete. It never loses power or wears out, never fails or disappoints. And it can never be stolen or destroyed. Always reliable and completely trustworthy.

You may wonder what this song has to do with the Christmas story. Notice how Mary dealt with the events and message of that first Christmas: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

What had just happened in a feed trough in Bethlehem was worthy of an angelic celebration of praise. Into our world of wars, strife, fear, and despair, God had intervened with “peace” and “favor.”