| I remember reading the tragic news two years ago: Nick Challies, the son of popular Christian blogger Tim Challies, died unexpectedly. Nick was in college and had a fiancé. He was a bright young man and a passionate follower of Jesus. The family was devasted. To make matters worse, Nick was taken near Christmas. Tim Challies writes, “as this most special of days draws near, we feel that longing grow and that ache deepen, for we know that at Christmas we will sense his absence even more.” Yet while Challies acknowledges the pain of the tragic anniversary, he looks to the hope Christmas provides. “If we have hope as a family, it is hope that is rooted and grounded in Christmas. If we have hope that our disrupted family circle will be repaired and restored, it is hope that begins with the birth of Jesus Christ.” Read “Christmas Is a Happy Day for Broken Hearts.” Speaking of grief at Christmas, the Ukrainians are still fighting for their survival. Read about the Christmas carol that has become a rallying cry of independence for the embattled nation. | 