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Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Where does this holiday season find you?


‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa-La-La-La-
La-La-La-La-La…
Or is it? Where does this holiday season find you? For many it is the time of good will and good cheer; a time to come together and count your blessings one by one. For others it is a time of great pain.

During the year families can give the appearance that they have it all together, but sometimes bringing everyone together during the holiday season can rip open wounds that have been ignored. Or many of you are dealing with what family member to spend what holiday with, and this can cause major strife.

Maybe you went through a divorce this year.

Or you are a college student who can not get home for the holidays, and it will be a quiet one for you.

Maybe you lost a loved one this year and the thought of celebrating without them is beyond your comprehension.

Are you a single mother and you have to give up your children for part of the season so they can spend time with their Dad?

The situations are endless….Where does this Holiday season find you?

The Christmas season tends to bring to the surface emotions we can normally ignore all year long, possibly feelings of loneliness, depression, or inadequacy. Whatever it is, the feelings are felt deeper during the holiday season.

Wherever you find yourself this season, maybe the Lord is bring these feelings to the surface so you will turn to the Hope this season has to offer. Over 2000 years ago Hope was born into the world and he wants to give you Peace, Love, and Joy. But not the peace, love and joy the world has to offer; you already know how that can lead to feelings of disappointment. But

His Peace,

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:7

His Love,

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16


His Joy,


Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.


Lay whatever feelings you are experiencing this holiday season at the manager, have you accepted what He has to offer you? Maybe this can be your first holiday season finally feeling free from whatever binds you, whatever feelings that keep you feeling trapped. He can set you free!


If you want to experience that freedom, and make a change in your life for the year 2008 then with your heart say this prayer.


"Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

If you said this prayer, and your heart was open to receive, then you have received the best gift that I have to offer you this Christmas Season. Feel free to contact any one of our devotional writers or Darlene our editor, if you would like to know where to go from there. But the best advice I can say is begin reading the bible, why not begin in John.

Merry Christmas, may you have a Season of Hope.




I would love for you to visit me at Book Buzz here on CWO or my personal blog: Laurel Wreath


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8 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for this message Laurel. It really hit home.

December 4, 2007 at 9:48 PM  
Blogger Susan said...

Dearest Laurel,

This post was beautiful, and so true.

I'm so blessed I came by tonight and read this.

This is truly a difficult season for many. But thank God for Jesus!

Thanks for taking time to remind us of our blessed HOPE!

Susan

December 4, 2007 at 10:48 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Bless you Laurel.

December 4, 2007 at 11:45 PM  
Blogger Chris @ Come to the Table said...

He is the best gift of all! May we remember this during Christmas and all year long.

Thank you Laurel for reminding us that He is our Hope, Peace and Love!

December 5, 2007 at 11:19 AM  
Blogger lori said...

Laurel,
what wonderful words today..
I posted today on how our broken, and mangled manger is more "like" us than that perfect, unbroken one...

the gift of salvation...that is what it WAS and IS all about..
you just said it more beautifully than I ever could....
peace,
lori

December 5, 2007 at 3:45 PM  
Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

What a perfect way to get back to the basics..

Great post Laurel...

Lisa

December 5, 2007 at 10:28 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Wherever you find yourself this season, maybe the Lord is bring these feelings to the surface so you will turn to the Hope this season has to offer....

Oh Amen Laurel. Everything I am or hope for is found in that stable. Wonderful post.

December 6, 2007 at 8:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'd love to be in Bethlehem

Alfred

December 7, 2009 at 8:51 AM  

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