Christmas is approaching...

Christmas is approaching. The weather is getting cold and crisp, boxes of decorations are being taken down from the attic, red and white candles are lit, Christmas trees are being bought, twinkle lights are glowing from neighboring houses, Silent Night and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer tunes can be heard on the radio and in shopping malls, Christmas parties, Christmas cards, eggnog and peppermint lattes are being served in local coffee shops, holiday sweaters are being worn, toys are being bought and words such as, “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holiday’s” are on people’s lips as you pass by. It’s an exciting season. A busy season for most. But to some a difficult season.

During this special season many experience heart ache. To some, it may be the loss of a loved one not present in the midst of this joyous celebration. For some, it could be the loss of a mother, father, brother, sister, child, uncle, aunt, or grandparent. Christmas memories are remembered as family traditions begin to unfold and holiday recipes are taken from the family's heirloom cookbook.

In Isaiah 61, it states, The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Sisters, let’s keep our spiritual eyes open and our ears tuned towards the Lord’s voice. Let’s be sensitive and obedient to comfort those who are grieving. To those who are hurting. To those who are in need during this Christmas season. Let’s make it our mission to be an answer to a child’s Christmas wish and heartfelt prayer. Let’s live lives that give and pour into others not just specifically during this holiday season but all year long. Lives that impact people’s worlds and embrace hearts for the glory of Lord.

Blessings during this Christmas Season,

Stephanie