I think it would be an understatement to say that 2020 has been quite the year. While this year has gone differently than any of us planned, I hope you can look back and see God’s hand at work in your life throughout it all. This Christmas season may look different from years past. We may not celebrate this season with family and friends, and the sadness of being alone or without a job may be an overwhelming feeling; even the twinkling lights, gifts, cookies, and snowfall do not seem to cheer the weary heart.
The Casting Crowns song “Somewhere in Your Silent Night,” sums up how most of us are feeling this holiday season:
All is calm, and all is bright.
Somewhere in Your Silent Night – Casting Crowns
Everywhere but in your heart tonight.
They’re singing carols of joy and peace,
but you feel too far gone and too far out of reach.
Somewhere in your silent night,
heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried.
Hope is here. Just lift your head.
For love has come to find you,
somewhere in your silent night.”
As believers, however, we can remember the Light of the World that brought hope and joy into this dark world. This time of struggle will fade away and soon be a distant memory.
This year has revealed the reality of the nearness of God through His provision, grace, patience with my stubbornness, protection from harm and sickness, and the power of prayer. 2020 has also made me long for the coming Kingdom more than ever before, where truth and righteousness will rule. What a glorious hope! We have the privilege of reflecting on His miraculous conception and birth during this season and rejoice in His promises fulfilled. We also have the “thrill of hope” looking toward the promise of His coming! No matter how dark this season may look, each new day is an opportunity to seek Him with eager anticipation that today might be the day of the Rapture.
Why the Christmas Season is One of My Favorites
- The joy of His Amazing Love
- The reflections of a Year Gone By
- The hope of His Coming
I hope that during this Christmas season you can take some time to revel in all three. We can find joy as we remember the greatest Gift ever given to mankind (Jesus Christ, God’s Son). There is time to reflect on the year we just experienced (and despite everything that has happened, there are things for which to praise Him). We can find hope in the promises of God, and He has everything under control!
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”
O Holy Night
Beautiful Hayley ❤️
What a great message of hope even for men. This will lift the heart’s of the weary and restore the faith in the weak what a beautiful message.
Haley, your words so elegantly spoken touched my heart! Love this!
I went to school with your sweet Mom, Class of ‘70.
May you and yours have a wonderful CHRISTmas!
Regards, Linda Smith
Oh Haley, your words were just what I needed to hear. These are tough times we’re going through, but it’s so important to remember that our joy and hope comes in the Person of Jesus Christ… the greatest GIFT ever given~!!! HE alone is what life is all about, and keeping our focus on HIM is where we find real Peace and joy in these troubling times.
I’m so thankful that God brought your family into my life a number of years ago. You’ve all been such a joy to me and encouragement~!!! Love you all and wishing you a Very Merry Christmas~!!!