I had this post ready to schedule to post on Christmas Day. However, I had to go to the Emergency Room because my stoma with the ileostomy prolapsed. They sent me home but now worse. Please pray for the doctors to agree to treat me if needed, and for my parents and I to have the wisdom and knowledge we  need. All that to say, I am especially thankful for this Christmas and even in the hard I was able to  have some quality time with the family which is a huge blessing.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this post and it helps bring joy and peace to your day. Merry Christmas and  Happy New Year to you and yours.

Holidays have always been a favorite of mine, especially Christmas. I’m thankful to have grown up in a home where my parents were an example of Jesus’ love to me every day. Over Christmas they always focused on making sure I understood the importance of the season and as I’ve matured over the years the Christmas story means more to me now than Ever.

As I’ve been pondering on the Christmas story, I am so thankful and humbled by all of the people God used to help us experience His love, forgiveness, and Eternal life. 

Each time I read the story I am always challenged and encouraged by Mary. Her willingness to obey the Lord and to trust God with the task given to her was amazing. While we do not know much about Mary, or have in depth evidence of her thoughts and actions, she was a young teenager and one can somewhat imagine what her struggles might have been. Being human I am sure she had her moments of “why me,” “what will people think,” “ how am I going to deal with this opposition, and convince Joseph and the family of my faithfulness, etc.” But regardless of the challenges she was met with, and there were many, she put God and her obedience to Him above all else. She responds to the Lord’s calling by stating, “May it be to me as you have said.” I love that statement and it has
been especially important in my life lately.

God is giving me so much comfort, peace, and joy. Being home bound there are many lonely days — days where I feel misunderstood, forgotten, or see no end in sight. But the hope of Jesus and the little ways He encourages me, agets me through the next step, then the next,etc. Those are the best gifts. Believe me the peace, strength, and joy that I am given each day from this bed is not from my strength but is all from God’s strength and healing powers.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ~Luke 2:10-13

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” ~Corrie Ten Boom

 

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