Hello and Happy Christmas, dear Family!
Sending you love through this down-to-earth message today. I hope it encourages you and lifts your spirit to the reality of Emmanuel - God with us!
May God bless you with the peace of Jesus this Christmas.
Love you,
Denae
Why is it this time of year can be so hard? Why do we feel such pressure, and sadness, during the ‘most wonderful time of the year’? If you need a little help getting out of the fog, and stepping into the Light, then come with me…
To turn from moments of sadness, when we miss the ones that are no longer here, let’s stop and remember. Let’s remember some of the sweet times we shared, the love, the smiles and all the time that we got to be together. What a joy, and what a gift! Let’s remember that all who believe in Jesus will be reunited again. This is not the end.
Take a moment and recall a happy memory with the one you miss, maybe even look through some photos to remember what they look like and delight in the joy you shared. Hold them in your heart for a moment. Thank the Lord for allowing this special person to be in your life.
To move out of moments of pressure, where it feels like things should be just so, and it feels like people are counting on you to do things just right, take a moment to release that burden. Let’s spend some time in prayer as Jesus still says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
Walk with me in your mind to a place of a peaceful pasture. Take a deep breath here, literally, and then do it again.
Think on this truth: Jesus is your Shepherd and He is watching over and covering you.
Heaviness is not yoked to Jesus, so let any heavy thing fall from your shoulders.
What will please the Lord? It’s not doing things perfectly or doing everything expected of you, that’s a facade anyway.
Our part is to be His sheep, to simply stay near to Him, to realize we are in His domain and that His eyes are on us - His dear ones in His pasture. Our part is to keep ourselves in the awareness of the love and mercy and covering of God. Our part is to listen for His voice and follow where He leads. Our most important part is to love and live to please Him.
Take a moment to get quiet with the Lord, all by yourself. Lean on Him and feel His warm embrace. He loves you. He helps you.
Ask Him for forgiveness where needed. Take communion to be reminded of the connection you share through His broken body and perfect blood. Simply stay connected to Jesus.
In closing, taking joy in the journey that includes some suffering and loss, and delighting in the gift of family and friends - past and present, we breathe easy knowing Jesus keeps us. We are His. And in Him, we can do all things - beautifully, as we continue to trust in Him.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life”
(Jude 1:20-21, ESV).
Let’s Pray ~
Father God,
Thank You for Jesus, our perfect and beautiful Shepherd.
Thank You for helping me move through sadness and get back in touch with joy. I’m so grateful for the people You’ve brought into my life who made a lasting impact on me. Thank You for the gift of knowing and loving them, and being loved by them.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that being yoked to You is not heavy, but a delight. I love being Your sheep!
Thank You for watching over me. Thank You for leading me. Thank You for Your blood and body that makes the way for me to be Yours.
Thank You for enabling me to love and serve others this Christmas, free from perfection or pressure as we celebrate You. Thank You for the opportunity to live and give.
I love You, Lord, and pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
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