merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! 

I pray that you will all experience perfect peace, unending joy & the hope of Christ this Christmas season no matter what the circumstance.  I know that for some Christmas is not a time of joy.  Instead it is a time filled with feelings of loneliness, family struggles or reminders of loss.  Sometimes we have expectations of how Christmas should be & it doesn't live up to our expectations.  In times like this it can be hard to feel God near.  But we don't serve a distant God.  

We serve Emmanuel, God with us.  

He became flesh & dwelled among us.  He tells us in Isaiah 43:2 that, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." He is near to the brokenhearted & saves those who are crushed in spirit.  So whether it "feels like Christmas", you are filled with joy or this is a difficult time of year for you...or even if you find yourself in a place of trial throughout the coming year, remember that if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you.  

...Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

Luke 2:10-11