Our Christmas tree is filled with memories. Many ornaments are from moments we spent together as a family. Some are from trips we took... some are crafts my kids made... some are from times when things were tough and clear glass balls were really cheap... and some are made from limbs off trees that were downed during a hurricane. And while having someone come in and decorate our home for Christmas might be nice, I will probably never do that because putting up my tree connects me to my people. I'm not really good at remembering things if I don't have a prompt so I need time to slow down and settle in to all God has done in my life. Putting up my Christmas tree helps me do that.
I realize that, for some, these days might not be the most wonderful time of the year. What are great memories can turn to sadness due to loss of loved ones or strained relationships that can bring us sorrow. Amid the parties and presents are prayers for peace to just make it through to the new year. If this is you... know I was praying for you very early this morning. And as I prayed, I began to sing the chorus to a song we sang yesterday, and will sing again several times this season. It goes like this...
To the King
Give your worries
To the King
Lay your Burdens
He's the hope
Your heart needs
Bring all you are
Before the King.
This Christmas, let Him give you the gift you can't find anywhere else. Bring Him your worries, your burdens, your sorrow, your pain... let Him carry the load that is about to crush you. Bring to Him all the things you think you can't handle and watch what He will do if you will loosen your grip. Bring to Him your broken heart and watch Him make something new. His gift to you is joy and peace... something no "daily deal" can provide. And in Christmases to come, I pray you will remember how he stepped in and sorted out the mess... maybe even make an ornament that allows you to retell your personal story of the "good news and great joy that is for all people". (Luke 2:10).
This Christmas will be a very special Christmas, if you will but let Him in.
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