This day is full of a lot of emotions. The joy of being with family. The excitement of baby’s first Christmas. The anticipation of being with those you love. The loss of a family member or friend this past year. The loneliness of what’s missing. The relational strife that still exists.
What do you want for Christmas? Is it the gift you’ve been waiting for all year? Is it good health? Is it a partner to do life with? Is it peace in your heart? Is it having the perfect house, perfect location, perfect job, or perfect family?
When it comes to Christmas, I’ve felt some of these same feelings. Joy. Sadness. Anticipation. Loneliness. Strife. Yet, with all these things we humanly “hope” for, none meet the satisfaction, hope, and peace that Jesus brings.
To the one who spends one more Christmas alone without a partner, God says “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.” (which means ‘God with us.’) Matthew 1:23
To the one who can’t seem to find peace, God says “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
To the one who needs guidance and help, God says “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8
To the one who grieves, Jesus says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
To the one who struggles with relational strife at the holidays, Jesus says “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
To the one who questions how God would allow such pain and suffering in this world, God says “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
To the one who just needs a huge dose of encouragement and help, Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
To the one who wonders if he’ll ever get life together, God says “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fail, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24
To the one who feels abandoned or rejected, God says “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
This Jesus, who was born this day, wants us desperately and loves us like crazy! He satisfies our deepest needs and is the best gift ever. All I want for Christmas is a God like this. Merry Christmas!
One of my favorite songs at Christmas..All is well with Michael W. Smith and Carrie Underwood: https://www.
When it comes to Christmas, I’ve felt some of these same feelings. Joy. Sadness. Anticipation. Loneliness. Strife. Yet, with all these things we humanly “hope” for, none meet the satisfaction, hope, and peace that Jesus brings.
To the one who spends one more Christmas alone without a partner, God says “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.” (which means ‘God with us.’) Matthew 1:23
To the one who can’t seem to find peace, God says “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3
To the one who needs guidance and help, God says “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8
To the one who grieves, Jesus says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
To the one who struggles with relational strife at the holidays, Jesus says “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
To the one who questions how God would allow such pain and suffering in this world, God says “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
To the one who just needs a huge dose of encouragement and help, Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
To the one who wonders if he’ll ever get life together, God says “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fail, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24
To the one who feels abandoned or rejected, God says “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
This Jesus, who was born this day, wants us desperately and loves us like crazy! He satisfies our deepest needs and is the best gift ever. All I want for Christmas is a God like this. Merry Christmas!
One of my favorite songs at Christmas..All is well with Michael W. Smith and Carrie Underwood: https://www.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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