At my church we've been doing a series on the people involved in the Christmas story. I heard the sessions on both Joseph ( I forgot I was helping in Sunday school, oops!) and Mary. The first Christmas threw their carefully ordered lives into chaos. What we celebrate as a time of joy, of God's greatest gift to humanity, quite possibly felt like a cruel joke to Mary and Joseph.Moments ago, I sat down at the computer to respond to an email with yet more troubling news, when suddenly it all connected. During this season of grief, fear, loneliness, doubt and depression, my task is to celebrate Christ. In the midst of an increasingly troubled world, Christ promises peace. Like Mary and Joseph, I don't know what God is doing, but I do know that He is worthy of my trust and worship.
And God is doing some amazing things in our lives. This year God worked a miracle in my mother's life. She has experienced such wonderful healing that she is even driving on the expressway all by herself! This only makes sense if you know my mother, but Steve and I continually praise God for the work He is doing in her. One of our close relatives almost died twice this year, but God was faithful and he is still alive. I am making new friends which has been a balm to my soul. My friends that haven't moved away have become increasingly busy, but God has been faithful in bringing in new friendships, or revitalizing old ones.
We have three healthy children. There were some complications when Kian was born, but he recovered quickly and we were home from hospital within hours. Aris and Zane are growing in the grace and knowledge of God. We were discussing family birthdays when Aris piped up and said that a member of our family has birthday in December. I kinda guessed where she was going with this, but asked "who?". She responded "Jesus! His birthday is in December and He's a part of our family!". Zane seems a little unsure about Christmas, but he also loves to praise God through song and dance. God has and continues to bless and provide for us, even through troubled circumstances.May you have a blessed Christmas and experience God's peace in all circumstances, Gracie:)
