Christmas is an exciting time of year: beautiful lights, family get-togethers, gift exchanges, cookie exchanges, a countdown, food, more food, and of course, the precious celebration of the birth of our Savior.
But is Christmas really the best time of year? I often see people saturated in commercialism, greed, gluttony and consumerism. Or, maybe this is your first Christmas without Grandma, Dad, son, or friend. The holidays bring with them sorrow and grief, too.
For those of you who may be dreading Christmas this year, remember:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 NKJV
He sees you. He knows you. He holds you. He loves you. May His comfort and peace cover you this Christmas season.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
If this promise is all you have to hold onto this year, remember the hope that the promised Messiah brings to this fallen, sinful, and broken world. After all, hope is all we need to take the next breath or the next step.
Even though I walk through the valley I have a God who sent His son to conquer death so that we all have hope of eternity with Him, if we put our trust in Him. The ones we miss are dancing in Heaven with the One who was born unto us on Christmas day. They await our arrival into eternity with them. That is something to celebrate!
In Him,
Katie Karlson