Christmas is coming

I am very happy to see Christmas coming.  The USA and nations around the world have had a really tough time this year.  Eesh blazing fires in the west, Superstorm Sandy, a theatre shooting, rogue tornadoes in the central US.  Flooding, drought, storms, economic disaster and a school shooting.  We still don't know the time when Jesus is coming back, but sometimes today seems like a good day.

I approached Thanksgiving with those devastated by Sandy on my heart.  Now as we approach Christmas, I can't help but think of the parents who bought Christmas gifts for children who won't be there this year in CT.  Little brothers and sisters who just can't understand.  I don't understand.  Sometimes the holidays are very difficult.  Our country mourns and we will be ever so much more grateful for our families.  Someone once said, "Life is fragile, handle with prayer."

My prayer
Dear Heavenly Father I lift up the families of those who were shot at Sandy Hook.  I pray You will protect them and comfort them.  They will need Your Holy Spirit's counsel and wisdom so much in this.  Let the angels bring hope and peace to the community.  I pray You will supply their every need.  Bless all those across our country who have mourned this year.  I pray for Your mercy and grace on our land.  Forgive us where we have failed.  Help us to grow stronger in the future.  May You bless America again.  Thank You for the many blessings we have received and didn't realize.
In Jesus Name, Amen

It's interesting.  Jesus was born in a terrible time.  Romans had conquered Israel.  Herod was considered the King of the Jews, but he had limited authority.  An unforgiving religious sect, the Pharisees, had taken charge of the Temple.  After Jesus' birth, Herod sent soldiers to kill all the babies hoping to keep Him from becoming King.  I don't usually like to even think about this part of the story.  It was a slaughter.  Mary and Joseph obeyed God's command to go to Egypt and Jesus was saved.  

Christmas is when we celebrate the day God became a baby out of His amazing love.  He knew all to well what man was capable of, yet He loved us so much it was worth it.   I see the lights on the tree and remember Jesus is the light that has come into our darkness.  We have an angel on top and I remember the angels rejoicing and celebrating His birth.   I will celebrate too.  I will get my husband's Christmas present today.  He's driving me nuts!  And I will hug him a little tighter this year.  We all need a break from this year's tragedies.  

These two verses kept coming to mind.  So I'm thinking I better share them.


But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matt 6:33

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair;  persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed- always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  2 Cor 4:8-11

I shed a few tears writing this, not an easy post.  Tomorrow I will start reposting the Christmas story.  I love reading it over and over again.  I hope it will bless you as well.

Think I'll light a candle for those in CT and the shore this year during Christmas, so I remember to pray for them.  We aren't wealthy, but I can pray.  Feel free to join me if you like, share a prayer or comment.

"All the darkness in the world can not extinguish the light of one candle."  Anonymous