A time to celebrate? Seriously?

My emotions are all over the place as I savor the time with my sons and daughter-in-law Sol, while wishing my other son, who is now living in California, could be with us to enjoy it. (My first time experiencing Christmas without one of my children-- and I realize many of you have done this for years- especially those who have a family member who has passed on.)

My friend Gail's son is in the hospital on oxygen, a local soldier is recovering from major injuries from a roadside bombing (losing a limb, sight in one eye and burns on his face-but is doing better thank GOD!) and other friends have children/spouses serving in the military who can't come home- many right smack dab in the middle of a war as we celebrate the season back home. Friends who have lost lovedones this month, some at the bedside now of those getting ready to cross over-- and then those whose children are fighting cancer....it's almost too much to think about. My heart aches for all of them.

But, I still celebrate. I celebrate the fact that I have a refuge--a place to go with this heavy heart, that I'm not alone and have not been asked to carry these heavy loads on my own. Some may think it's a myth or silly to believe in a Savior, but I have proven Him, over and over in my own life as He has BLANKETED me with His peace when I came before Him- belly down on the floor pouring my heart out to Him.

When words from no other could comfort me-- His words soothed my soul and made sense of things of which I had no previous understanding-- He is as real to me as my family members I can see, feel and hear. And without Him, I would be full of fear and unrest.

I celebrate His coming to earth and the change His presense made in our world. Thousands of years ago, and He is STILL touching lives. Giving hope and peace and wisdom and forgiveness to anyone who diligently seeks Him. For this reason, I celebrate the Christmas season, while lifting up in prayer, those who are facing hard days and nights.

He came to us. And now He says, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened. I will give you rest." Celebrate the Peace He has to offer. With all the fanfare it deserves!