So This Is Christmas

And what have I done? Well, LOTS! I've been super busy as the Director of Worship Arts, but thankfully, I had a Christmas under my belt already this year, so I knew what to expect.

But what I have been thinking about today has nothing to do with Christmas. I realized that the older I get, the more "bad" things happen. Not to me, but I take notice of them more than when I was 25, 18, or 12. I know more people who are dying. I know more people who are struggling. I know more people who have lost someone dear to them. I have witnessed world events that have been horrifying.

Take my dear friends, for example. You read about SIDS, or know someone who knew someone's neighbor who lost a baby to SIDS. But these were our best friends. We KNOW the exact people who went through/are going through this horrible sadness.

I have another friend who was just diagnosed with cancer. I KNOW this person. I know their family. I see them regularly.

This horrible tragedy in Sandy Hook. I have a daughter close to that age! It's scary to think how close.

And it will continue to get worse the older I get. More friends/family will pass. The world will get worse. There will always be bad news.

But I can take heart, for there is hope.

My dear friends are currently expecting their third child, who was conceived right before their sweet son passed away. He was a big brother for a week and didn't even know it!

My friend is showing to be cancer-free at the moment and will begin radiation/chemotherapy shortly.

The nation, even if only for a moment, has pulled together to support each other and promote random acts of kindness.

There is always hope. It's not an expectation or a demand. It is a grace that is given to us daily by our sweet Lord. We place our hope in Him.

My hope is in You, Lord, all the day long.
I won't be shaken by drought or storm.
A peace that passes understanding is my song.
And I sing, my hope is in You alone.

So THIS is Christmas. The hope of a new day, of new life and new mercies, all because a sweet baby was born in a stable, made flesh so that one day He could die on the cross for us.

Thank You for Your son.