Christmas for me surfaces a mix of emotion. Joy bubbles up big time, yet suffering places also seem to surface in magnitude, maybe not outwardly, but deep down I feel them. Do you know what I mean?
Behind our family picture, I rejoice big time! But don’t be fooled, there’s no perfect family. I acknowledge the bumps of struggle, celebrate the deep love that has been sown in hard places; all the victories and all the heartfelt memories that can’t be taken. The Lord has done great things, beyond my wildest dreams. I am overjoyed.
Yet, if I’m honest, I have sorrow too. Deep down sorrow over brokenness; not just in the world, but in circles close by. I ache for peace and healing.
Christmas for me seems to spotlight the now and the not yet. Merry and joyous for all the Lord has done with bright anticipation for what He is yet to do.
“May our days be merry & bright.” ~ May we find joy in the present and be filled with living hope for what’s to come.
Joy now. Hope always. Hope that sees beyond what we can touch, hope deep down, hope that invites us out of hiding, hope extended to us by the Savior. The kind we all were made for, the kind that walks into the middle of our heartaches and holds us through it all. Living hope.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.”
(Romans 15:13)