For All Those Who are Hurting This Christmas

While I love to talk about the joy and the magic of this season, I am not blind to the fact that for many this Christmas maybe anything but merry. I want to take a moment to pause and let you know that you are in my thoughts and my prayers. Those who have lost loved ones, faced unspeakable trials, and suffered great pain in 2017 are very near to my heart right now.

I pray for your peace and your comfort and your strength. I hope that as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, you will remember that He is wonderful, mighty God, counselor, Prince of peace, the everlasting Father. (Isaiah 9:6) Yes, this is the time of family and celebration and special moments, but before it was all of that, before the gifts and the trees and the lights, there was a moment in heaven when the Son of God stepped down from His throne and into our world in the form of a tiny baby born to an extremely average family in a very humble manger. And at that little baby’s birth all of Heaven broke forth singing glory to God in the highest and on earth peace! He came to bring peace. Peace in our hearts, in our homes and in our lives. Peace, that our spirits may rest and reign with the Almighty God.

It is inevitable that if you are hurting many around you will not know how to act or what to do. And undoubtedly, many of them will say some pretty stupid things. Hey, we’re human. It’s just what we do.

I pray that you will not look to people to fill and comfort that part in your soul which only God is capable of touching. Remember that He knows. Remember that He is there. Remember that He told us we would have trouble in this world but that we should take heart because He has overcome this world! (John 16:33) Know that He is a God who can take whatever Satan intended for evil and use it for His glory and for your good.

If you need a boost, some encouragement as you process your feelings right now, I hope you will take a few minutes to read some of my Purpose in Pain series where I share the things the Lord taught us at a hard time in our lives, as well as a special post called Dear Hurting Family which I wrote when my heart was breaking for wonderful friends in the midst of their great loss earlier this year. I would also encourage you to check out the wonderful series on restoration our Pastor, Jason Byars, at Coastline Community Church is currently teaching entitled, If These Walls Could Talk.

I will be taking a break from blogging for the next couple of weeks as we soak in every bit of family time possible. I’m excited about some new stuff the Lord has put on my heart that we will start diving into after the new year.

Many many blessings, peace and calm for you and your family in this special season!