However, before we get started with the traditions, I feel
it’s important to address the fact that for so many, the Christmas season is
not filled with joy and happiness, but instead heartache and loneliness. If
this describes you, I want you to know that you are not alone.
There is One who understands our heartache and promises to
never leave us. He is the One who brings hope to our hurting world.
Below is the beginning of my message. I hope you
will follow me over to 5 Minutes for Faith to read more.
Life changes…God does not.
Christmas family traditions bring smiles and warm memories of time spent together. For some, it’s hot chocolate by the fireplace and smiles as their children open gifts. For others, it’s the singing of familiar Christmas carols.
But for some, the Christmas season not only brings sadness, but also imagines of the joy and happiness everyone else is experiencing. Behind warm smiles are empty hearts and aching souls. Maybe that someone is you.
Life changes.
Children grow older. They lose interest in family traditions or move away.
Hardships come and take over all we wish we could do.
Loved ones are gone.
Many times, traditions evolve over the years, adapting to family changes.
But for many, the traditions are no more. Instead of warm memories, there are “remember whens” and “if onlys.”
Life changes whether we want it to or not. I don’t want to be depressing, but instead would like to go beyond the facade to tell you this…
Life changes, but God does not.
Please join me at 5 Minutes for Faith to read more of my
post. And if you know someone struggling this Christmas season, would you pass
this message on to them? God works in so many wonderful ways to reach the hurting.
Thank you and God bless!
In Christ,
Laura
Photo: Matthew 12:19-21 NLT
Laura, I want to thank you for writing this. Although I have hope that is in Jesus, my family is really struggling financial right now. My husband's unemployment has run out and it's a very scary time as bills mount. But I have HOPE that so many do not have. My heart is to share the HOPE that is Christmas, despite what I am going through. He is able and I want others to know that no matter what they are going through, with Jesus there is always hope! Love you my friend!
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I found you at the SDG link up. We've sought for years to focus on Christ is Christmas-which can be so difficult in the modern world.
Bless you for this message.
Peace and good to you.
So true...it's good to keep other's feelings in mind!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
http://normalchaosforamultitaskmom.blogspot.com/2012/12/choices-and-opportunities.html
your words Laura are so right on. Many people struggle alone...in pain..feeling no one cares. and on top of that most people want to just commercialize Christmas. But all it takes is the Light shining in the darkness....and things change....
ReplyDelete