If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:19–26

 

Reflection

At Christmas time, we understandably think a lot about Jesus as a baby. We marvel at God in such a vulnerable, defenseless form, small enough to fit in the crook of an arm. Carols croon about his sweetness and speculate that 'no crying he makes.' What match could he be for any enemy? And even as a fully grown man, he was no warrior. His own people turned him over to the Romans for a humiliating and brutally painful death, and he didn't even try to fight back.

The infant Jesus was born with the cross on his horizon and he walked towards it with laser focus and unwavering determination. In the upside-down kingdom of heaven, the laying down of his life was the only battle plan he needed. Made a man, like all 'in Adam,' he died. But he did not stay dead. Resurrected, he lives to make us alive – alive in a way that our first death becomes a gateway, not a brick wall. Hope in Christ means hope for more than this life. We believe in a saviour fully able to one day crush death itself under his feet.

Grief hits hard at Christmas. Death is an evil enemy. We're in no doubt about that. But thank God the baby was born – and that he will one day come back.

Prayer 

Heavenly father, thank you that one day you will put an end to death and there will be no more agonising separation from those we love. Help me have hope in what is to come.