10
Dec
Be it formal or casual, a Christmas gathering carries a sacred sentiment. Singing songs to celebrate Christ’s birth brings a worshipful cheer. Decorations add visual flair, while our unique culture and traditions add new memories to our stories.
But if we miss something or someone we love, gathering may be a struggle.
Years ago, before our family’s holiday plans were realized, our mother passed away suddenly. Grief came to visit us that Christmas. I wanted it to leave. Instead, gathering lost its meaning and joy was no where to be found.
Our family sat numb as we sat together. The thought of unwrapping gifts or singing carols carried us deeper into our sorrow.
It took a while for me to see God’s grace in this unwanted new normal. It took God nudging me with His eternal perspective. Then I remembered my mom and I still shared more than our genes. Heaven and here collided. Mom and I both love Jesus and gathering around His throne to worship Him.
Of course, as she sees the glorious details of heaven, I continue to walk by faith on earth. This gives me great joy. It’s the kind of joy experienced by those who gathered around baby Jesus. (Luke 2:10-11) They got the first glimpse of the One who “has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4 ESV).
Through personal experience, I know He also carries us well. If the most wonderful time of the year feels a lot less wonderful to you, Jesus will carry you too — in this and every season.
While gathering for gift exchanges and good times reaches its peak, Jesus longs to reach each of us with His comfort and joy.
Is there an event you’re hosting, attending, or hoping to avoid? One thing is for sure.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9 NIV).
Whatever we’re enjoying or missing this Christmas, living through Christ matters. Spending time with others or spending time alone, if we gather around God’s grace, we can celebrate His love.
PRAYER: Dear God, Thank You for meeting me where I need You the most. Thank You for sending Your one and only Son, Jesus, to bear my griefs and carry my sorrows. Through faith in Him, I can gather around your mercy and receive Your grace. As I gather with family, friends or spend time alone, You are with me. Help me to experience Your comfort and joy in this and every season. In Jesus’ name, amen.
JOY TO THE SOUL: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9 NIV).
Rahama Harewood
This devotional brings about such peace! Thank you Joy. Love the Christmas graphics too!!
Joy
I’m glad this devotional (and graphic) encouraged you Rahama. Blessings to you!💕
Ora Cooke
My mother went into the hospital Christmas morning 2011. She was on life support and defied all odds and came out of ICU and into a regular room. We celebrated. Unfortunately, God had other plans. January 9, 2012 the Lord called her home. Christmas has never been the same. Christmas was my mother’s favorite.
Joy
Ora, thanks for sharing your heart about missing your mother. I know this pain. May God’s peace and comfort continue to strengthen us in this and every season.
Melanie Norris
This is a beautiful post, Joy. I can relate to it after having lost my mother several years ago. I love the illustration you shared of your mom worshipping in the presence of Jesus while you worship through faith here on Earth. That resonated with me and gave me a new perspective. Thank you for this post.
Joy
Hi Melanie! God knows exactly what we need to encourage our hearts in our grief. I’m glad for the new perspective He gave to both of us!
Lucille Gaither
Me too, Joy. I have loved ones in heaven in the presence of Jesus, too, even one who is dearly beloved. But I am assured of that great meeting in the air when Christ returns for the church. {1 Thessalonians 4:14-18} He will rapture us, snatch us up and away like an eagle, to glory. I’ll see my gentle, humble daughter. And that gives me great joy.
Right now, I try to figure out this new thing that the Lord has done, in restoring my youth like the eagle. He has in this season. “…But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Joy
Hi Lucille, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter and other loved ones. I’m grateful for the hope and joy we have in Christ, even in our losses. May you continue to have your youth restored by the Lord!