Christmas in your (broken) Heart

It’s that time of year, where home & hearth are the roots we tend most.  We gather indoors for warmth & sharing.  We look to Jesus as our light in the darkness of winter, a time for miracles when all may seem lost.

‘Merry & bright’ is the feeling in our hearts when we think about Christmas but for some folks the holidays just aren’t the same as they used to be.

Some of my friends have lost their mate this year and for others, loss of a parent has changed their holiday forever.  When so many of your special moments have included that family member or a precious pet, celebrating can seem like the last thing we want to do without them.

I was reminded this week of a scripture that means so much but especially in trying times, it’s important to remember that “.. we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 KJV

When all seems lost, don’t forget that God is working everything out for your good.  He loves you & wants the very best for you all the days of your life.

God can take your sadness.  Give it to Him.

Sometimes our burden can be so heavy we can’t just hand over our pain.  Our suffering can be so great, it can threaten to crush us so we must do something drastic to shift it.

One translation of the Bible uses these powerful words, “Throw your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”  – Psalm 55:22 NET Bible

Imagine that, throwing the great weight you’ve been carrying.  What a relief it will be when you get out from under this struggle; knowing God will catch it, manage it, & ultimately handle it.  He doesn’t just take your pain but He uses it to work out blessings in your life.

It may seem impossible to see your way through but God is with you & His grace surrounds you.

So don’t punish yourself, don’t rush anything.  Just spend some time in prayer & you may find you have an impulse to decorate a little.  You may feel the desire to feed some of the poor in your area.  You may want to rest more & do less this year.  Whatever it is, God is there for you.  He is FOR YOU.  You can’t get this wrong.

You’ve heard it said ‘we are spiritual beings having a physical experience’ so enjoy the ride.  There is so much more going well than going wrong.  There is so much love & hope in you & for you.

Whether you celebrate or not, your loved ones are with you, in your heart & thoughts, always.

This may not look like any Christmas you’ve had before but it’s Christmas, a time for miracles.  And if all you manage this year is loving & taking care of you, not being too critical of what you did or didn’t do, accepting this day exactly as it is, I’d say that’s God’s grace right there!

You are so loved.

Merry Christmas