My word this year for Christmas is redemption. No, I don't always have a theme or a word for a season of my life. As I reflect on 2015, this season, these days that have past, this is what I see:
Redemption
It's not over. We've had a lot of "stuff" this year. A lot of new things and said goodbye to some old. Sorrow, joy, blessings, hope.
and truly we've seen beauty from ashes. We've seen blessings come from seemingly hard times. We haven't always handled things as best we could. But we've accepted the fact that we cannot do life well, all the time. Or really, any of the time, without Christ.
So we are still and constantly being redeemed. Saved from these things that keep us from Christ. From sin. But not by our own accord. By Jesus Christ alone.
And as I reflect on this time, this baby Jesus that came so long ago, to redeem our world, my heart is just simply full of hope. Our story is not over and thankfully we are not doing this life alone. We choose to do this life full of hope and grace and mercy because of the One True Hope that came to give us life full of more than this earth and it's possessions.
And I can honestly say now, I am looking forward to the year ahead. I'm looking forward to a year full of family: the smiles, the laughter, the tears.
2015 was a year of change for us, (although since we've been married, I'm not sure there hasn't been a year of change for us). I am thankful for the compassion and kindness of friends and strangers. I am thankful for the ability and freedom my husband has had to start a new adventure of owning a business. I am thankful for continually being in a place of needing the Lord. I am thankful for peace and contentment with our home and family.
I am certain 2016 holds many new adventures for our family (and yours, too!), some planned, some unexpected. But I'm ready. I'm ready because I am not doing this alone. I'm ready because the past has proven to me that the Lord holds us close.
Redemption
It's not over. We've had a lot of "stuff" this year. A lot of new things and said goodbye to some old. Sorrow, joy, blessings, hope.
and truly we've seen beauty from ashes. We've seen blessings come from seemingly hard times. We haven't always handled things as best we could. But we've accepted the fact that we cannot do life well, all the time. Or really, any of the time, without Christ.
So we are still and constantly being redeemed. Saved from these things that keep us from Christ. From sin. But not by our own accord. By Jesus Christ alone.
And as I reflect on this time, this baby Jesus that came so long ago, to redeem our world, my heart is just simply full of hope. Our story is not over and thankfully we are not doing this life alone. We choose to do this life full of hope and grace and mercy because of the One True Hope that came to give us life full of more than this earth and it's possessions.
And I can honestly say now, I am looking forward to the year ahead. I'm looking forward to a year full of family: the smiles, the laughter, the tears.
2015 was a year of change for us, (although since we've been married, I'm not sure there hasn't been a year of change for us). I am thankful for the compassion and kindness of friends and strangers. I am thankful for the ability and freedom my husband has had to start a new adventure of owning a business. I am thankful for continually being in a place of needing the Lord. I am thankful for peace and contentment with our home and family.
I am certain 2016 holds many new adventures for our family (and yours, too!), some planned, some unexpected. But I'm ready. I'm ready because I am not doing this alone. I'm ready because the past has proven to me that the Lord holds us close.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:4-13