Writing stories about the lives of fictional characters has given me lots of insights into my own life.
In a novella I recently finished, my characters were missing out on their happily ever after because of their fears of being hurt…or so I thought.
I eventually realized that what was really going on is something that happens to a lot of us when our life derails, and we get hurt.
We attempt to control everything within our power, as a means of coping with our fear of the future.
And that quest for a semblance of control can usurp the Lord’s rightful place in our heart and become the thing we cling to instead of God, because we’re no longer willing to trust Him with our future.
If you’re feeling in a dark place this Christmas season, I urge you to trust that God still has an amazing story to tell with your life.
The angels’ proclamation to the shepherds that first long ago Christmas is good news, precisely because our salvation through Jesus is a gift, not something to be earned.
Speaking of gifts…
it’s tempting to think if I just had—fill in the blank—I’d be happy. Children sure think that way when they eagerly write a Christmas wish list.
Yet, oftentimes, it isn’t until the stuff we think we want is stripped away is that we finally see what we truly need. For myself, I’ve noticed that when I don’t spend time with God, dissatisfaction can quickly seep into my days. Have you ever had that happen and find yourself blaming your job, or spouse, or children, or the state of your home, or whatever?
The glorious news of the Christmas story is that you were created by a God who loves you. A God who sent his Son in the form of a precious babe to deliver us from the sin that separates us from Him.
And finding our hope and purpose in Him alone is the best gift we can unwrap this Christmas.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
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Your post is such a blessing, Sandra! Merry Christmas to you and your family!