Stripped Away

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I woke up at 4 a.m. and lay in bed thinking for a bit before I got up. I feel like I'm on a runaway train and it's hard to believe that Christmas is just 18 days away.  It doesn't feel like Christmas here.

 ► The tree is looking a bit bare since we didn't put all the ornaments on.
► There are no other decorations around.
► My walls are bare now that I've taken down the pictures.
► No Christmas cookies have been made
► All of the "Christmas" activity is gone.
► There are no presents bought and will be very few this year as things are tight.

 As I lay there I was thinking, "This stinks!"

 However, as I lay there feeling full of self-pity, the Lord reminded of something I wrote in my book, One Clear, Still Night.  Christmas is not about the decorations, or the packages, or the sparkling lights.  Christmas is about one solitary gift that changed the world.  It was given without pomp and circumstance, in poverty, and in the dark.

 All the trappings are stripped away this year and I'm left with what?  The Gift.  The one thing that makes my life have meaning.  The only reason that I should rejoice.

 And that is what Christmas is about, my friends.  That is why even with a daunting task in front of me, and multiple, huge changes taking place all at once, and feeling very alone, I can have joy and peace.

 This stripped away Christmas leaves me with one thing - Christ alone.

 And that is the one thing that keeps me moving forward, step by step, with a heart full of joy.

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 7, 2013 at 9:31 AM

    Thank you for sharing Terri. Yes indeed, we need to focus on the Gift. Hang in there Terri, and don't forget no matter how many things change in your life, God remains unchanged....yesterday, today and forever, Jesus is the same. I get a lot of comfort from that when my life feels like a game of chess and someone has hit the board, scattering all the pieces. The Lord will gather them up again. Sending hugs to you, my friend. Love, Tina xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 7, 2013 at 10:36 AM

    I'm glad you are remembering the true meaning of Christmas, Terri. Praying things will get better for youl
    God bless, Kathy in Illinois

    ReplyDelete
  3. ElizabethdDecember 7, 2013 at 11:22 AM

    Terri, I am so benefiting from your lovely Advent book. The message is so clear, God is forever, our Hope and our support.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lisa M BuskeDecember 7, 2013 at 4:54 PM

    I love it when God reminds me using something He did through me that I'd forgotten. Glad your book is not only helping us but also you.

    See you soon my friend,
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  5. E. LaneDecember 7, 2013 at 6:56 PM

    One solitary gift
    :)

    ReplyDelete

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