We’re finally ready.
Christmas can
come.
We drove around
to see the lights, we mailed the cards, the stockings are stuffed, We’ve kept
the music on repeat, the gifts are wrapped, we’ve watched the main movies, I’ve
worn the jammies, and we gave up on cookies and gingerbread houses.
We’ve enjoyed
the trees and lights in our own home immensely – possibly more than I remember
doing in the last several years combined. What a treasure they’ve been in this
mostly-gray December!
It’s been a
different kind of December in some ways, and it’s been completely traditional
in others. My heart has welcomed both.
I’ve wrestled
with the hard things, but then again, Christmas is about Jesus’ birth, and He
came to this earth because of the hard things – like our sin and our need for a
Savior. So wrestling with the hard things merely reminds me of my utter need
for and dependence on Him. I welcome that, too, even if the hard things are still
hard.
Seems like I’ve
been reading a lot of posts written by those having a tough Christmas. For
some, it’s tough for reasons of their own making and choosing. For others, they
never saw the tough coming until it smacked them in the face. And for others
yet, it’s ongoing toughness that has made all of life weary. If you’re in any
of those camps, I am praying that God will send you a special reminder today of
His deep love for you. (He knows who you are and can match my prayer to you.) There
have been times in my own seasons of hard that I’ve cried out for God to just
remind me that He’s there – and I ask that for you today.
Seems like I’ve
read other posts by those truly enjoying the season – but feeling guilty about
it, because so many are hurting. If this December is joy-filled for you,
embrace it to the fullest. The hard years pop in without warning, so when the year
brings delight, don’t feel bad about delighting in it. Celebrate the gift even
as you celebrate the GIFT.
Merry Christmas
Eve, my friends. Much love to you.
3 comments:
Around here, we are almost ready for Christmas! :)
The gifts are bought and wrapped (except 1), everything is decorated, the baking is almost done and I'm trying to catch up on everything.
I read your comment in response to mine, about Joanna Weaver's book and I know the one you mentioned about Lazarus. Haven't read it yet, but if it is as good as this one, I will read it too later. ;)
Have a blessed Christmas, Bekah, Ryan, Brayeia and Lexi! I don't always comment (or blog, lately, wich is something I must change next year), but I try to read your blog every chance I have, because you are an inspiration to me.
I believe I mentioned this in previous comments, but you and Ryan remind me so much of my husband and I and the fact that you also don't have children and live a wonderful life filled with love, happiness and above all God, reminds me of how Nuno and I are. Wich not everybody always understands. Especially those with kids! :)
Please, keep praying for Nuno's kidneys and may 2024 be filled with health, peace, love and above everything, God's will and grace! :)
Thank you for your kind words, Paula! Thanks for reading along here - and I will continue to pray and for Nuno especially! :) Merry Christmas!
I'm still baking one more batch of cookies tomorrow and I did a Christmas puzzle yesterday and today. I just wasn't quite ready to let the Christmas season go just yet...!
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