December 1. (Sorry - this will be long!) This holiday season has been a challenge for me because it is our familys first since my mom died in March. Thanksgiving day was lacking in the usual festive atmosphere because our daughter and son-in-law werent able to join us, though we had a lovely day of quiet, relaxing family time with those of us who were gathered. And before I left for church this morning, I warned my husband that I just wasnt feeling it in terms of Christmas celebrations, decorations, baking, etc. What a difference an hour makes! I got my attitude adjusted at church! Not in a shake your finger or dont feel sorry for yourself kind of way, but rather, through the gentle intrusions of Gods grace and love; through the presence of many whom we have known and cared for as church family for many years; through the stirring message delivered by our pastor; through the music selections, and yes, through the moving of the Holy Spirit. I am reassured that its okay to have times of sadness, loneliness, grief intermingled with the joy of the season. I am reminded that I should not allow those emotions to overpower or overwhelm my abject and utter awe at the gift of Jesus Christ! I am reminded that God is big enough to allow for both/all of what I (and all of us) may be feeling and allows us to offer those hard parts up to Him. One of the scripture readings this morning, opened my heart and began my transformation of thought and spirit. The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. (Isaiah 61:1-4 NIV).
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 16:20:07 +0000
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