Not Only Looking Away From, But Looking To
It’s the Christmas season and one of the most blessed times of the year. All of the fun, festivities, and gatherings have helped to muster up the Christmas spirit—a spirit of joy, of thanksgiving, of love. This is a time when people on a much larger scale make an effort to reach out and give to others. What an awesome thing! This spirit of giving spinning out from the original gift of a Savior given to us! Isn’t this just what God intended? For us to imitate Him, especially in the area of giving and blessing others, is truly a fulfilling thing.
Amidst all the busyness of the times, while everyone is hustling and bustling, I find times of silence before the Lord to be some of the most exciting. Imagine the storm swirling around outside, but inside is the perfect and calm peacefulness. Inside you know everything is going to be alright, regardless of how things are going outside. It’s a matter of trusting and at the same time knowing with your whole heart that all will work out. Like a tree rooted into the depths of the earth nothing shakes this restfulness on the inside.
A silent, still, and holy night.
I am so glad there is snow on the ground. Regardless as to whether much of it will be left on Christmas Day, it’s made the anticipation even more fun! The stillness of a snowfall is so full of serene beauty. It covers the world with a pure white blanket. There is much to be related to the blessed night of Christmas Eve. This peace so pure, so holy, can only be found in Jesus. Additionally, looking at a sleeping baby imparts some of this peace to our hearts. Have you ever seen that commercial where “Silent Night” is playing in the background and they show babies sleeping? There is such preciousness found in these.
I hope and pray for us all to meet this Peace in our hearts this Christmas. Regardless of what you’re going through—the struggles of depression, the missing of loved ones, not feeling like you have enough to give—I just want you to know that your heart are so felt. There are so many people I know right now who are holding on by a thread; it is a blessing that my family is able to provide some care and support. That is the wonder and beauty of being there for each other. We can bear one another’s burdens and provide the love that is so needed. Please don’t try to go it alone. People are around you to help.
Turn away from all distractions, from the hurt, from the pain, from any loss, and turn to Jesus Christ, the One true love.
Just as Christ came to give us eternal life and in His physical absence from earth we have the Holy Spirit (Counselor, Comforter, Helper, Advocate, Strengthener, Intercessor, Stand-by) in us, so are we called to help counsel, comfort, help, strengthen, intercede, and stand close to others. As God has done to us, let us go do to others. This will spread the love, this will usher in more cheer. Not just for right now in this Christmas season, but throughout the entire year. Just as the song goes, “Keep Christmas with you, all through the year,” let us keep the spirit of love, joy, faith, and giving in our hearts always!
On that joyous morning we celebrate! We celebrate our Savior and look forward to His second coming. We celebrate love and family. We enjoy giving and at the same time receiving—love, gifts, food, whatever it may be. God loves celebrations! Look at all the feasts found in the Old Testament. Similarly we celebrate this monumental occasion in our own faith. A time when God gave us the gift of Love and of the promise of eternal Life itself.
As we remember the birth of Christ and look forward to His second coming, let us rejoice at the promise of eternity spent with the Lord! There will be no more weeping, no more sickness, no more death. Only LIFE!
Merry Christmas and a blessed new year to all!
