I have always loved Christmas! Everything about it is wonderful and glorious! I have so many precious memories of the holiday. Beautiful Christmas productions at church, Christmas Eve fun with my dad's family, Christmas morning with my parents and siblings, getting to eat cookies for breakfast, and Christmas dinner with my mom's family. Then when I married we added so many more precious memories with our own children. Watching my children light up when they open a gift, reading the Christmas story from the Bible, baking cookies together, so many wonderful moments tucked away in my heart.
Until December 25, 2019...
This was the worst Christmas ever. And to be transparent, I have struggled to even like the season ever since.
You see, just after midnight on Christmas morning, my grandfather left this world for his heavenly home. Life hasn't been the same since. I haven't been the same since. I know Christmas didn't take him. I know it was his time and God called him home. But mercy it still hurts. I feel like it left a stain on Christmas. Every decoration and tradition is a reminder of that grief stricken day. Christmas is hard.
My family has faced some struggles, some discord. My once inseparable family is now so far apart. I used to love and look forward to spending the day together, now I worry and can't help but wonder what will happen now. Christmas is hard.
One of my best friends lost her battle with cancer in October. She loved Christmas! Each year we would talk about Christmas, send each other pictures of our trees, and video each other on Christmas morning. I miss her. Christmas is hard.
My grandmother left this world for her heavenly home on October 31st. Just five weeks ago. It hurts so bad. This will be our first Christmas without her. An already difficult day, now even harder. I miss her sweet words, her hugs, her food, everything about her. Christmas is hard.
I know I am not alone. Many of you struggle with finding joy at Christmas for one reason or another. Many of you are facing the first Christmas since the loss of a loved one. Many of you feel alone. Many of you are hurting.
What can we do when Christmas is hard? When we want to unplug the lights because how dare they possibly twinkle with joy when we hurt so bad. When we want to scream at the top of our lungs because the Christmas carols won't stop and we don't want to hear it. When our heart is aching.
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Christmas isn't about all the glitz and twinkle. Though it can be glorious (when we are in the mood for it), it takes our mind off what really matters and reminds us of the pain and loneliness.
When I focus on the holiday of Christmas, I see what I am missing out on; my grandparents gone, my dear friend gone, and my family torn apart. But when I focus on the meaning of Christmas, I see the blessing; because Jesus came, I know my grandparents and friend are in heaven right now and I will see them again one day. When I focus on the holiday of Christmas, I remember the shock and pain of my mom's voice through the phone at 1am saying, "It's Papa!" But when I focus on the meaning of Christmas, I see the memories and the love.
We must shift our focus to the true meaning of Christmas and to our Savior. When we do this, we are allowing Him to come down and bring comfort and peace like only He can. Through His comfort and peace, we can find pockets of joy in the season of Christmas.
If Christmas is hard for you, put Christ back at the very center of the season. Keep your eyes and heart fixed on Him.
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We want to help with the financial burden this year so we have partnered with some amazing bloggers to bring you the 10th Annual Christmas Blessing Giveaway!
One blessed person will win $480 in Paypal cash! That cash can be used to help buy Christmas gifts, buy groceries, pay a bill, or whatever you want to do with it.
Thank you to our bloggers!
To enter to win, just complete each task in the rafflecopter below. The winner will be chosen at random by rafflecopter.com on December 14th and emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to respond claiming their blessing.
Rules:
No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. **Open to US/Canada residents only.** This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries, and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 12:01am EST on December 14, 2020. Winning entry will be verified. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.
No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. **Open to US/Canada residents only.** This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Woman to Woman Ministries, and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 12:01am EST on December 14, 2020. Winning entry will be verified. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.
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