Do you ever find yourself dreading the approaching holiday's? Or maybe you just want to rush through them and go through the motions and get it over with. We are probably well aware that for many people this season brings up pain, lonliness and heartache. I was suprised to start to sense myself in that category this year. I love the Christmas season, all of it, the meaning, the hope, the light, the music, the quality time etc. and I have never been one to be bummed of it's coming. Until this year. I found myself teary with every Christmas song and decoration. You see....I started dwelling on the past, the memories and the reality of how things are now that left me feeling broken on the inside once again, not only the brokenness but other stresses that kept coming to surface. I went through a few days where I couldn't face the Christmas season, nor did I want to, I couldn't see the real reason for Christmas past my cloudy vision of my current circumstances. I was hurting, and was having a hard time feeling jolly when the enemy kept reminding me of past hurt and brokenness that I have already been healed from.I was not a fan of feeling this way! So how did I get over it? A lot of the time I get frustrated because I know what I'm supposed to do to get better it's just the application of that that is the hard part. But one day as I was driving home from work I was feeling really down and out, things and emotions were piling up. I started thinking about how all the things I was dealing with were a LIE in comparison to what the Word says about me. God wants me to believe His report, and in His Word/report I am NOT broken, sick, lacking or alone! So that tells me that all of those things are subject to change and the Word is not. So I told God that I will believe His report regardless of what I'm seeing in the natural. Then I yelled at the devil, as the Word says he should have NO place in my life, he has to take his hands off in the name of Jesus! Then....I made myself blast praise music and sing it like I've never sang it before. And guess what?! It worked! Then I started thinking about one of the things that minutes before would have brought me down...a Christmas song. God Rest Ye' Merry Gentlemen, the part that really got a hold of me was "tidings of comfort and joy" that's what Jesus brought when He came and that's what He has for me this season still. Comfort and joy :) And what I loved about all this was my circumstances didn't change, but my attitude did, because God filled me with His joy. The joy of the Lord truly is our strength :) If you are fiinding yourself a little blue this Christmas season, cling to God and believe His report! Give no place to the devil and don't let him steal your Christmas spirit like I started to allow him. Jesus gave us authority over that sucker but it's up to us to use it. And most of all...remember the real reason for Christmas and why Jesus came and when He did He brought comfort and joy and that comfort and joy is still for you this 2011 Christmas season. Lay those burdens down and be blessed!
"Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." Luke 2:14
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuRu-4OI9dw One of my favorite Christmas songs! He Has Come For Us! (not too sure how great the video is :) )
Me getting into the Christmas spirit for a Christmas event at Church
We matched :)
The pretty Christmas tree and lights Britt put up
Britt and I watching the Grinch....she for a change was the one that fell asleep. Love my roomie sister!
