The Challenge of "All is Well"

As we wrap up the 2023 Christmas season, if I'm honest, the song "All is Well" haunts me.

The Christmas song All Is Well is an annual staple for me, all the way back to my teenage years. Written by Michael W. Smith, the song is an emotionally heartfelt conversation declaring: now that Christ has come, there is to be peace on Earth. Christ is in the manger, and darkness has fallen. It should be well with everyone.

This song has made me cry every year for well over 30 years.

This year, though, the tears were different. 

2023 was a tumultuous year for me. I'll probably unpack more in the days to come, but the physical pain and emotional exhaustion of 2023 took me to a breaking point of sorts individually. There were stretches where I didn't feel peace. I didn't feel love. The physical pain I carried alone was enough to pull me into the darkness, where I didn't recognize love's light. Once again, being honest here, I forgot that all is well.

That's the challenge. Because of something that happened over 2000 years ago, no matter what stresses we're going through now, we should have the faith to recognize that all is well. Regardless of physical pain. Or emotional stress. Issues in the workplace. Or marital difficulties. Struggles with your neighbors or frustrations with your children... wherever God has you, the challenge is to recognize that "all is well." Christ has come to bring salvation to those in need. Despite the specific scenario you're facing, all is well.

"Be joyful in hope. Patient in affliction. Faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:12 NIV

This Christmas, many of you recognize that "all is well." You've found joy in the manger, acknowledging that our Savior has come. For some of you, hope may be difficult as you've lost patience in affliction. To you, the ones who have lost joy or have no hope, my prayer is that you will be patient in your difficulties and take the time to pray. Ask God to provide patience with your situation, whatever they're grounded in. Pray for joy to be rekindled and faith restored.

God, thank you for the personal reminder... Because a baby was born over 2000 years ago, I can and will faithfully say, "All is Well."