Fragments of Comfort and Joy

Merry Christmas 2023!

Reading about “war and rumors of war” and staring down the barrel of another election year will certainly affect our celebration of Christmas 2023. It’s not all “tidings of comfort and joy,” is it? Even so, an honest look at the suffering in our world (and perhaps in your story this year?) invites us to pay attention to both the beauty and the gritty realism of the Christmas narrative.

So if fragments of comfort and joy are all you can manage this season, acknowledge the depth of your need, and then hand it over to the Savior whose birth we celebrate. For those who mourn, the beauty, truth, and invitation of the gospel shine brightly.

Christmas at Home

For me, the Advent season has included fun with little cookie bakers—and the frustration of a busy schedule that delayed our traditional Christmas decorating schedule.

I experienced the joy of sharing Christmas truth with the women of South Hope Community Church—and I survived a subbing gig with sixteen kindergartners who were experiencing snow pants at recess for the first time. 😳

This month I got a thumbs-up, “You’re doing great” from my neurologist, but was still subject to the weighty adjustment of addressing Christmas letters with a right hand limited by the effects of Parkinson’s disease.

The message of the angel, delivered to terrified shepherds who had never seen anything brighter than their evening campfire has relevance to us, today, as we celebrate Jesus’s incarnation as embodied creatures:

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

The coming of a Savior and Rescuer is the best news, and we never outgrow our need to hear it and to depend upon it. Dane Ortland wrote, “The gospel is not a hotel to pass through but a home to live in.” The simple message that we are not alone for Immanuel is with us, that God is good, and that he loves us warts and all is ample reason to trim a tree (even if we’re late!) and to bake a few cookies!

New at YouVersion!

I'm definitely still a YouVersion newbie, but I created in time for Advent a four-day plan, challenging readers to memorize Isaiah 9:6 and meditate on its truth about a coming Messiah. Together, we remember that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor with Supernatural Wisdom. He is our Mighty God, unlimited in His Ability to do what He wills. He is the compassionate Everlasting Father, the Giver of good gifts, and Jesus is the Fountain of deep well-being, our Prince of Peace.

YouVersion is a Bible App that makes the Word of God and an abundance of devotional material available conveniently on your phone. Even if you don't have the app, you can CLICK HERE to access the Advent Challenge.

Thank You for Reading!

📕 If you’re looking for solid reading material to take you through the winter months, click on the Recent Reads button below. It will take you to my reviews and recommendations.

🖥️ It’s been quite a while since I guest-posted at (in)courage, but I’m grateful for their ministry and had a new post on their site earlier this month. I’m writing about change, especially as it impacts relationships, and you can read it HERE.

🕯️What does Christmas at Home look like for you?
How is the truth of “God with us” impacting your celebration?
I’d love to hear from you!

Your friendship and faithful encouragement here has been a great gift!

Holding You in the Light,

P.S. If this post has been helpful, I’d love it if you’d spread the word to your people by sharing it.

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