The story of Christmas (Matthew 1-2) is known well, even among those who have not accepted the gift of salvation from Jesus. A virgin birth, the Son of God come as a baby that he may live and die to restore the relationship between us and our Creator.
In the East wise men (the Magi) see the star over Bethlehem. They followed the bright promise of finding “the one who has been born king of the Jews.” When they arrived in
The most high God came down to earth and became man that we might know him up close and personal. Born in the most humble of circumstances he shows that he is the God for all mankind.
I gave a reading yesterday on this concept and shared about my journey. I thought about the star as it appeared to the wise men – a star that proclaims God’s promises of joy, peace and provision. After trying to ignore the star for a few years I finally decided to pursue it and go after Jesus about 5 years ago. A decision that led me to
From then the blessings have been abundant. Not only the spiritual life God has promised, but also changes in my life – my dream guy, a beautiful home, a great relationship with my family and wonderful friends, and many more. It was easy to follow the star and keep going, my faith buoyed by the blessings.
Then this year we arrived at the stable! A trial that has tested the very faith that brought me here. For years many women dream of having a baby to love and cherish, assuming the toughest part will be the labor pains (not even if you have an epidural!!). When Emma was diagnosed with gastroschisis we knew we were coming to a stable. When she was born I knew we’d arrived.
With the addition of the Moebius diagnosis it was obvious to question if this was the place we’d been promised by the star. Thankfully the Bible is very clear that trials will come, but that God is still with us, in fact he will use these trials for the good of those who love him. He will provide the strength to bear the weight, and even offers to carry the burden for us.
When people tell me I am a strong person I am quick to say that the only strength I have is in clinging to God’s promises. The strength to get through this trial with a positive attitude is a gift from God, one of the very promises the star declares.
No-one can avoid trials in life. We can only choose to go through it alone in our own strength, or with the strength of God Almighty and embrace the growth challenges bring.
I can’t thank you enough for coming on this journey with us. Your company is a great comfort and to think that I may in some way encourage you or give you hope for your own trials is a wonderful gift.
As you gather with friends or family, or maybe even are by yourself please know you are loved. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Merry Christmas!
No comments:
Post a Comment