MERRY CHRISTMAS: THE SEASON OF HOPE

Normally I really really love Christmas, but this year I just couldn't get into it.  I faked my way through.  I suppose you get out of it what you put into it, but I really felt no energy to put much into it.  We have had so much sickness this last month, that it was just about all I could do to go to work, let alone prepare for the biggest day of the year. 

The one thing I truly did do this year is focus on the real reason for this season.  We glorify the Christmas Story, we make it sound so cozy and peaceful.  Perhaps through God's grace it was just that.  As I was sitting in church this advent season, I kept thinking where was Mary's mother?  I wonder if Mary yearned for her mom to be there to be her support, her guide, her help in time of such need.  I know when I had my babies I found my mom to be a huge help, resource and source of encouragement.  Our minister, in his sermon last Sunday, touched on what I had been wondering since the beginning of advent.  Because of the Census Mary and Joseph had to travel many many miles to Bethlehem when she was so close to delivering.  Just imagine.....imagine being a mere teenager and forced to leave a mother and family you need so much to comply with a census, only to get to your destination and not being able to find proper lodging.  Through it all....God provided. 

I think of this past year and how as a family in some really tough times, we have pulled together.  Through it all God has provided.  When all seems doom and gloom he pulls us through the other side.  He puts the right people in your life just as you need that bit of encouragement and hope. 

I have also been dwelling on how many people are missing the ones they love this holiday season.  I think of the families waking up today in Connecticut who two weeks ago thought this would be a wonderful Christmas with their children only to have them ripped from their arms just a week and a half before Christmas.  What are they feeling today?  How do you deal with such tragedy?  How do you face Christmas ever again?   There are no human answers to these questions.  They say time heals.  I'm not sure I totally buy that.  I believe time provides a scab over the wound to where it maybe it doesn't hurt so bad, but it will always be there. 

My personal belief is that God provided hope in his Son and therefore we ALWAYS have hope even when things feel hopeless.  God provides.  My hope and prayer for everyone is that they find this HOPE, believe this HOPE and believe that through it all God is there and he will provide according to his will.  ( the according to his will is what scares me :)......My faith is not always strong, in fact sometimes it can be very weak, but this I know.....God's love is everlasting.  

 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Merry Christmas to all!!