Came across this post I published a few years ago, but so on point for our covid season.
So many are in the midst of losing something important this Christmas season. Loved ones, jobs, homes, relationships . . .
We are losing our home this week. For real. For good.
It was our first house–a modest one–acquired after almost two decades of waiting. After years of loving labor making it “ours.” Nevertheless, I’ve been reminding myself for months that it’s “just a house,” that “there are much, much more precious things to lose . . . ” Still, as the day approaches, the vast difference between a “house” and a “home” presses on my heart and I’m experiencing my own private death of sorts.
Perhaps some of you will step into the Christmas season through some type of a door of “death,” too.
I wonder what gift God has waiting for us on the other side?
Courtesy of Matthew Davis
- A recharged relationship with God?
- A new perspective on what’s truly important?
- A fresh start on a whole new path?
- The hope of a new life with Jesus in it?
Because if Christmas is about nothing else it’s about gifts–God’s gifts–of abundant life, a future hope, peace with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. . .
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:10-14 NKJV)
That is good news! And it means that we can grasp the handle of the dark door before us and step through it, at peace with God and our circumstances, knowing that God has a gift waiting for us this Christmas. Handpicked. Personally wrapped. Delivered right to the door of our heart because in God’s economy death is the doorway to new life.
Courtesy of Denny Muller
So let’s trust that out of the ashes of whatever “death” we are experiencing today, God will bring life, and with it, the gift of peace on earth, goodwill towards you and me!
What gift do you hope to receive from God this Christmas?
Comments 10
Oh, my. Tears and many emotions are shared with you today. Our Lord is THE MOST precious gift. If only we can understand His plan for moving you…His new gift for the Macklin’s to glorify Him through. May you THRIVE with Him this season, this journey, wrapped not in gift wrap, but in His might loving arms.
I miss seeing your sweet smile.
Carolyn
Thanks so much for your sweet thoughts. Jesus is indeed the most precious gift! We don’t understand God”s plans, but are confident that they are good because He is good and His wise, loving acts always flow from His trustworthy character. Praising God amidst pain is the privilege of every of one of His children. 🙂
I love you Bethany Macklin; You bless me with your strength and make me realize a “home” is in our heart. Know that I’m praying for you daily and trusting the hands of God are gently, tenderly reaching you in simple ways like a special smell, a breeze, a rain drop….
I love you, too Jackie. You bless me, again and again, with your thoughts, prayers and encouraging words. God is once more demonstrating just how “sufficient” His grace is for every hour of every day.
You know we are with you in prayer. I know how I felt when I left my home on Bluffs to move in here to a torn up fixer upper that needed many hours, actually months and years, much love and my signature on it. This will be our 3rd Christmas here and the remodeling is far from finished. I have learned to shut my eyes to some things, to thank God for each thing that comes along to help us live in this house more comfortably and to love it. Yes, this little dump has turned into a home – one that isn’t perfect but one we can love anyway. We as people aren’t perfect either, and God continues to work on us to perfect us and make us more like His son Jesus Christ. I know I have grown in Him and you have too. Praise Him for our growth and for the chance for your kids to see God work in miraculous ways. Praying for a miracle. Love you much – Harriet
Thank you so much for sharing your own painful journey and for the encouraging words. You and Jay are such gentle, humble examples of the Spirit at work. 🙂 God has provided such sweet encouragement for us on this difficult day. And we are watching to see all the ways God will reveal Himself to our kids. We’ve seen Him in action–now it’s their turn! 🙂
Beth,
Your truly blessed and don’t let the enemy blur
The TRUTH!!!… You have your husband, you have
Your two children, you have your family!!!
YOUR BLESSED….
The door I am looking at is just to painful to mention.
By Faith, I declare….IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL!!!
Andrea
I am so very blessed–I agree! 🙂
Hang in there! Aren’t you grateful that pain and death is never the end of our story? God is a God of life and promise for a future hope. (Jer. 29:11-13) “..we can grasp the handle of the dark door before us and step through it…” because God is in control, He is trustworthy, and He has something GOOD waiting for us on the other side…as only God can. 🙂 You are in my prayers.
Oh, Bethany, this blog brought tears to my eyes. This must be incredible difficult for you and your family. and it’s true, there is a difference between a house and a home. And your home is a lovely reflection of who you are as a woman, and the memories you’ve made as a family.
And yet, your eternal perspective in this blog is obviously influenced by the Holy Spirit which reassures me that even when we can’t comprehend life, God is present in our circumstances.
Thank you for writing from your heart!!! And sharing with us what God is teaching you in this painful time.
Thanks for the sweet thoughts, Karen. Bless your heart! Be encouraged; God’s grace IS sufficient. Always.