‘Tis the season of Joy and happiness. A time where the country is transformed into bows, presents and special movies that make us smile. Holiday decorations come down from the attic and more memories are made.
But for some, this time of year is a nightmare.
The warmth of the season brings back the pain and memories of what was lost. It brings to light the reality of their current circumstances and the pain becomes all to real again.
This year, God has been working on my heart like never before. I have an unexplained excitement about this Christmas year… But not about the shopping and sparkle that surrounds us.
See, the very first Christmas seemed small at the time. Another baby was born.. Unknown by many, in a dirty manger on a cold night. No facebook announcements or Instagram pictures to celebrate with friends around the world. I’m sure as a little girl, Mary didn’t envision an engagement filled with scandal, horseback riding in the 3rd trimester and a labor among cattle. But like so many of us have figured out…. such is life right?
For some, we have learned to roll with the punches and for others, they are too broken to get up anymore. Like Mary and Joseph, the life they envisioned and planned for so long, is but a distant daydream… and what they are left with just makes no sense.
So why am I excited?? Why would such sour news bring a smile to my face?
Because this time of year more than EVER, is a time to seek after the JOY that we have been promised. But, not only to seek after it, but to SHOW it to others. TELL them that although the winds of change have thrown you into the sewers, you are never ever out of God’s grasp…
“He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wing you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:4
God sent His ONE son into a world that wanted to kill and destroy him from the start. He was born into a world ready to devour him just to give us LIFE. To give us JOY. A future we can never imagine!
THAT my dear friends is CHRIST-mas…. The GOOD news. The reason we celebrate. Not because life happened to be good to us one year, not because of our current circumstances…
But because no matter WHERE we are in life, WHAT is happening to us, WHO we lost, WHO we love….
JESUS CAME TO SAVE! HE CAME TO LOVE and He came to give us JOY!
Busy moms, life is tough. And life doesn’t always work out the way we planned. But hold on tight to the one that holds tomorrow.
On that dark night in Bethlehem, as Mary rocked baby Jesus to sleep, I am sure she wondered WHAT God was thinking…. really?? A BARN??? After spending days on horseback and giving birth in a dirty haystack. Could life get any worse???
At that moment, She couldn’t see the bigger picture. As Joseph was kicking the cows away so they had room to sleep, She didn’t know how beautifully God would turn that story around. That “Fateful” night would turn into something GLORIOUS!
Because that’s the beauty of God.
That’s why we trust Him…
Because HE weaves our story…
He is the Mighty God and the Prince of Peace… and all we have to do is trust him.
I challenge you today, no matter what is going on in your life, to look UP! Seek Him during this season… and celebrate.
God’s got this!
Merry Christmas my friends
XOXO
Thank you so much for such an encouraging post about having JOY this time of year, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. I became a widow, with young children to raise,about 16 months ago. Although life has become an upward battle, my kids and I can have JOY because we know that God is in control of all things. He has not left my side, even for a moment. I also celebrate because I know that it is because of Jesus that I will see my dear husband again someday in Heaven.
That was the best! Thank you.
This time of year will forever be slightly tainted for us…as last Tuesday marked the fifth anniversary of our daughter’s death (full-term stillbirth with NO reasons/explanations).
Every year, I struggle to get through the first few days of December and I always seek solace in Him, above all.
For the last three years, my prayers have always been answered in the same soft way…
It’s like I hear Him telling me, I now have one that needs me, take comfort in HER joy.
So, I do…and it does helps.
But, I don’t just confine it to the holiday season.
I take great joy in watching her grow and play and learn…every day.
It isn’t often that the demons of doubt creep in to whisper “You never got to teach/show Samantha…..(whatever)”, anymore.
Don’t get me wrong…they still do. Taking a stab at my heart, whenever I give them the slightest chance!!!
But, with His help, they get fewer and fewer chances.
I like to think that THEY feel a stab of pain, back, when I immediately ask for His help/support/comfort!!! :,)
Thank you for sharing!!
Beautifully written love this. Thank you.
Thanks Ladies. I pray that God comforts you and you have a beautiful Christmas season. Xoxo