Are you disappointed this Christmas? When everyone around you seems to be excited and joyful? Are you discouraged? Have hard times and dark days darkened your door a little too often this year?

Several weeks ago, I discovered a one legged bird at our feeders. I named her Dee Dee since she was a chickadee. She could dangle while feeding from the bottom of the suet cage. She would flap her wings to balance at the seed feeder. And she could bathe and drink from the saucers just like any other bird. I expected to see her all winter, but it's been a while since my last sighting. We've had several nights in the twenties. Unusual for these parts. Of course we have predator birds like owls and hawks. It makes me sad to think what might have happened to her. Sometimes what you expect is not what you get. And life is just like that.

So I challenge you to look on Christ, who does not disappoint. He was expected, foretold, prophesied, and promised. Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again - just as it was foretold in Scripture. And He will return just as it has been promised.

I still look for Dee Dee at the feeders. In fact, I am while I'm writing this! I might expect to be disappointed. But I can look for Christ's return with joy and sing Wesley's hymn from the other side of advent - Come thou long expected Jesus!!

May you find your peace, contentment and hope in the Lord Jesus today and may your Christmas be filled with wonder that He came to seek and save the lost like you and me.