My goodness I have been sad this holiday season. I have been missing my Dad, my father in law, my grandparents and all of my loved ones that I have lost in my life. Yesterday was my parents anniversary and I cried thinking about it. Mama & I got tears in our eyes while picking out pecans last week. My son had to have emergency surgery to keep his leg after a fall the day after Thanksgiving and is still on crutches. It’s been rough! I have been focused that my daddy should be here with his grandchildren giving gifts and making divinity. I haven’t even put up a Christmas tree, I haven’t done any baking and I have only bought a few gifts. But, this morning as I sat by the fire at our farm while doing my devotional God spoke.
My devotional was the story of Zechariah & Elizabeth in John 1. God sent word to Zechariah through the angel Gabriel that they would have a son. They would name him John who would become John the Baptist. Zechariah & Elizabeth were old and Zechariah questioned this news which caused him to be mute until the birth in which he rejoiced.
The devotional said this:
Dear friends, if you are struggling with disappointments and God seems far away, take heart. God has not forgotten you. He wants to give you his peace today. In his mercy and love God remembers each one of us. That’s the good news of Christmas: Jesus, who forgives our sins and brings us new life, has come! So let’s join with Zechariah and sing God’s praises today.
Yes, my toes hurt from that! Through this I realized That I have been choosing to be mute when I should be rejoicing LOUDLY! I realized I have been mourning the season instead of celebrating the greatest gift ever given; Jesus Christ as my Savior. Some might think it’s too late but today I start celebrating this precious gift. I might be fighting with myasthenia gravis while I put up a tree and bake but it will totally be worth the effort! The glow of a Christmas tree reminds me of the peace and tranquility of trusting in a Heavenly Father that never leaves me even when I feel alone and sad.
May your next week be filled with love, joy, peace and rejoicing over the birth of our Savior!
Merry Christmas Everyone! Thanks for reading ~Melynda
Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope Adam is healing well. You are an inspiration to me and I enjoy reading your writings. Prayers for a safe and happy Christmas for you all. Love y’all