It’s the most wonderful time of the year. We hear that often during this season. Sometimes that sentiment makes me sad and quite frankly grumpy. Friends have referred to me as the Grinch during this season.
All of the expectations of the season are overwhelming. Decorate your house, attend parties, rejoice in the wonder of Jesus’ birth, be full of joy. What is ironic is that most of the year, I am full of joy, but as we get closer and closer to December, my inner grinch starts to emerge.
I think as a child, Christmas never lived up to expectations- mine or those around me. So when the decorations start showing up in stores in July, I start immediately thinking about all the areas I don’t measure up and disappointments surrounding the holiday.
Isaiah 61 is a foundational verse for Redeeming Grace.
I know and believe that Jesus came to bind up the broken hearted, release the prisoners, and restore beauty for ashes, for each and every one of the women we encounter. But if I am honest, a part of me doesn’t really believe He will do all of that for me.
Recently, I was sharing some incidents from my childhood with a friend. She looked at me and said, “He’s given you beauty for ashes”. I have heard and said that to other people many times, but I had never considered it to be true about my life.
I started to challenge myself with this thought this Christmas- “It’s really ALL for me.” Jesus the light of the world was born in Bethlehem for me. He came to HEAL my broken heart, RELEASE me from darkness, COMFORT me, PROVIDE for me, GIVE me a double portion, beauty and everlasting joy. He is my hope.
This season, I want to encourage you to shift your perspective and consider it the most wonderful time of the year because it is when hope comes in the person of Jesus, just for you.
Because everything Jesus is and does IS FOR YOU. He heals YOU, comforts YOU, loves YOU, cherishes YOU, is kind to YOU, saves YOU, forgives YOU, redeems YOU.
He is for YOU!
