God With Us...Period!

Holiday seasons are upon us. Everywhere you turn, it’s up close and personal...some would say “getting in my personal space” a bit too much. The most wonderful time of the year is exhilarating for some and draining to others. Call it seeing the glass half full/empty, perspective, or whatever else it is sometime labeled. All I know is that while some experience it with much gusto, others put on their “happy” face and try to brave the scenes with much pain and sadness inside. This I know. 

We’re all aware of this fact: There are hurting people everywhere. It’s hard and uncomfortable to go into those spaces though. I realize there are people who haven’t yet been touched by tragedy and the pain of loss, but it is part of life! While we none desire to experience it, the most sure thing is that it’s coming to or is already present in a home or family near you. Again, life happens. I don’t mean to sound negative but aren’t we even warned of this fact in God’s Word? There WILL be trouble and pain. Period. It shouldn’t really be a surprise, yet it catches us off guard often times and we wonder what in the world is going on. Where’s God?! Why?!

That’s not the end of the story though, friend. In the last fifteen months of my own life, I have seen tragedy, experienced loss and way too much death. I’ve experienced sadness, grief and even the depression and severe loneliness that comes along with it. Am I ashamed to say this? No, not now. Why? Because through it all, God had shown Himself to me in amazing, never before experienced ways. I haven’t seen Him like this before! Such wonder. No, it hasn’t been without many failings, trips and falls on my part, however, as Pastor preached so fittingly Sunday, God is a God of second chances. Even thirds - and fiftieths. 

I still have days of sadness, I still struggle with grief more on some days than others, but I know God and have seen Him in a much more intimate and satisfying way than ever. That is the beauty in the ashes of this season. This is why I share my story with you. 

True, I have decided NOT to jump on the bandwagon of decorating for Christmas this year, and I’m OK with that. Maybe next year. I’m not boycotting Christmas. This year, I choose to focus on preparing Him room and giving myself some grace. Pinterest has ruined us, hasn’t it! Like I said, maybe next year! It’s just that right here, right now, I want to feel Him near, to remember that this season is about Him coming down to mankind, bringing us His hope and presence on a very personal level. 

So, while my home may seem barren to some and others might say I’m playing Grinch, if only you could browse into this newly revived soul. It is alive and shining brightly. In this season, I stand and loudly proclaim this truth: God With Us...Period! That’s all I need to know and that is what I choose to celebrate in this season. He’s brought me a long way, through the valley and desert, to an oasis of peace and joy which is unspeakable. True, I may not be as bubbly in comparison to some who “ooze” with the “holiday spirit” yet down in my heart there is a joyously, beautiful song because I know the darkness from which my Redeemer has brought me.

All I can say is, God With Us is what makes the difference. God with us is enough. God with us is my hope and strength. God with us...period. Amen and amen! 

Wishing you and yours the most blessed holiday season ever. Maybe you can adopt this phrase with me if you’re feeling less than festive this year. Step back and prepare Him room! Knowing that God is with us is the best answer and hope we could ever ask for. Be blessed. 

God With Us...Period.

Quote from a friend:  

“He is with us or we would not have made it this far.”