With all that is going on with Dad, I have a new understanding for those for whom the Christmas season is a painful reminder of all they yearn for, of all they have lost, or for all they mourn. One of my struggles over the past 2 1/2 weeks is to how to reconcile "the most wonderful time of the year" with the agony that is very real in this world. While I know that our family Christmas traditions are very important for our girls, my heart has had a hard time embracing the joy and anticipation of the season.
God spoke to me this week when He reminded me, "This is what I came for, Brooke...to save a fallen world, to offer forgiveness for sins, to redeem the brokenhearted, and to bring my followers into eternal life where sadness and sickness are no more." While I have always known that Christmas means more than Christmas trees, gifts, and yummy treats, that understanding is more real to me this year than ever before. Just a few hours after the Lord whispered this sweet reminder to me, Kinsley shared this song with me. Coincidence? I think not. My family has been surrounded by prayers over the past 2 1/2 weeks, and one of God's sweet answers to prayers was this truth revealed to me in my sadness.
We will celebrate Christmas this year. I feel quite sure it will be a different celebration than in years past, but I am also confident there will be a renewed joy and anticipation in my heart and, hopefully, the hearts of those I hold dear.
No comments:
Post a Comment