I don’t know about you, but there was a time when I hated Christmas. Growing up, there was always disappointment and sadness from family arguments and drunkenness from loved ones
I also hated that my birthday is on the 23rd because Christmas always seemed to overshadow it. Which meant that I had minimal memories that I honestly wanted to remember, as a child
That changed when I found God. It certainly didn’t happen overnight because I had to rewrite my mind with what I had experienced so far. Yet, in doing so, meant that I no longer held onto the sadness, or bitterness, of the past, but instead, looked forward to a future with God, my husband, and our daughter, because I found that my truth comes from God
Christmas looks different for many of us, in many different ways…
In the Northern Hemisphere, they can experience Christmas in the winter storms, and hopefully, a white snowy landscape. Whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, we can have a summer haze with warm beach days
Yet, Christmas, generally, is so much more than our outer experience. It’s the memories of loved ones and the feelings that we receive, around this time, that can really impact us going forward
The Scripture found in Isaiah 7:14 reminds us that Immanuel is always there. No matter what we experience. No matter what we are facing. God is with us every step of the way
That Scripture has bought me comfort in times of my deepest despair, but also, joy, in times of celebration. I have realised that God has remained the same throughout it all – it was ultimately me who changed throughout the seasons I faced
Friends, I want to encourage you this morning that if God is dwelling within you, then the blessings that have been foretold will continue, because God is with us. Our outward experience of Christmas may suck (to put it simply), but Jesus reminds us of His purpose this time of year, which ultimately, should remind us of ours
Therefore, may we continue to trust and to love Him, and to copy His example until He returns
“She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).”
Isaiah 7:14
Categories: Isaiah
hey there i really appreciate it and i was needing it and i really dont like christmas time
Like me, it’s about changing your perspective, and although that does take time, it’s so worth it. Only God should define us 🙌🏼