Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year:
Preparing for the Christmas Season involves sharing individual talents with the church families. I Peter 4:10 (NIV), “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” Many churches are preparing for musical performances, special Bible studies, and messages from the pulpit for advent, sharing those gifts God has given us. The talent I share is decorating the church for the season this year, as I was taking decorations off the shelves, noting the sources of these precious pieces. Gifts that were given by church pillars of the past. Remembering these individuals brought tears of joy and sadness. The nativity created in the 90’s when ceramics classes were the fad, alter clothes sewn with love, and banners which brought to light the creativity of years gone by. The gifts made with love that still give us joy. God allows their talents continue to be celebrated with our church family.
As I was reflecting on the gifts, I thanked God for the greatest gift of all, God giving us His Son who makes all things possible and reminds us that there is hope in this chaotic world. Romans 15:13 (NIV), May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no greater present that we can receive.
Like many of you, this Christmas Season is different from the past due to the loss of loved ones. Celebrating firsts used to be such a joy, but these firsts are difficult and some moments during this festive season we may feel hopeless. We need to remember grief only occurs because of love and with God there is always hope. Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” He is with us during those times of joy and celebration and also during times of sorrow and loss. So, embrace the memories and if the tears flow, He is beside you. Celebrate the Immanual and know that God is with you.
Merry Christmas
Dawn D Levey