I know, I know. It's only October. How can Christmas be in the air already? Well, have you walked into any stores lately? I haven't heard the music playing there yet, but the aisles are quickly filling with red and green. Our house is already filled with Christmas music that we're learning for our upcoming Christmas concerts, so my mind is thinking about Jesus' birthday and what that means to me personally and to those I love and to the entire world.
I've been thinking a lot about those who are away from their families for Christmas this year...soldiers, wayward family members, those who've lost a loved one. The loneliness they must feel not to have their loved ones near them. As sad as that makes me, the good news is Jesus is always near. Deut. 31 says He will never leave us or forsake us. But you have to be willing to open your heart to Him.
When we are with our family for Christmas, we feel warm and loved, even cherished. We know we can be ourselves, and we'll be accepted just as we are. When we open our heart to Jesus and allow Him to come and reside within us, we are loved, cared for, and accepted just as we are. But He goes a big step further than anyone on earth can go for us. He promises that no matter what is going on in our life, what we have done, or where we are He will be with us. And we can carry that love and acceptance with us wherever we go, because of His amazing grace.
If you are facing being alone this holiday season, remember you don't have to be. He wants you to come home to Him this Christmas, and He'll welcome you with open arms. He wants to be your everything.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
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