We hear this A LOT this time of year… Real words coming your way… It isn’t for everyone. A lot of people struggle this time of year. Everyone is walking around all cheery and happy but at the same time, watching the world, as it seems to be falling apart on our TV screens. At home, life is not as wonderful as all of our Instagram feeds. This time of year can hit hard for a lot of people.
However, I’ve got good news. Joy doesn’t magically appear when you see the tree, the tensile, the gifts, and the house full of a hundred people. These are all just extras. Pretty extras. But, we can ALL find peace of mind and joy this Christmas season!
Did you know the strongest of us have a hard time this time of year. With worrying about whether we can get everyone what they want, do we have enough money, will I get that invite, why doesn’t that family member treat me like they do the others… NONE of this matters.
Stay with me, It may get a little wordy… I’m going to start with the story of Christmas. Mary & Joseph traveling on a donkey so this young pregnant lady and ready to give birth could have her baby. (Remember, they were fleeing so the baby would be safe! The king was killing all first borns) Talk about already having pressure!
Then they get to Bethlehem and can’t even find a hotel. She has to give birth in a stable. If you have ever been in a barn with animals, you know by first impression, it smells. Then you have the mess, animals have to use the bathroom, straw, bugs, outside elements. This would not have been my first choice. So if you are taking scores, they are already running to save their child, then having to give birth in not ideal conditions. If anyone had reason to feel down and complain…. I think they had good reason. However, they were content and doing everything God told them.
Then without knowing, without expecting, three men show up. Again, put yourself in their shoes. Running, giving birth in a smelly, outside, stable, Mary exhausted, definitely not looking like she just came out of a Macy’s make over counter, and then three men show up. She was not ready for company. They tell you God sent them and they are bringing the most “expensive” gifts that could be found at that time. Talk about an overwhelming blessing!
Even under their circumstances, they were blessed beyond measure! GOD SHOWED UP! He ALWAYS shows up. Even when we don’t expect him. Even in a simple manger and brings MORE than you expected! (Are you jumping yet? I’m feeling it 👏🏻👏🏻) A savior has been born to us. 🙌🏻
Fast forward to 33 years later, this savior in a manger, took our biggest debt and died on the cross for us and bore all our sins. 👉🏻ALL👈🏻 of them. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:24
I don’t know about you, but that is good news to me! This is what makes this the most wonderful time of the year! ⭐️✝️❤️