
Memory Monday – Week 76
Is anyone else in shock that Christmas is three days away? It seems like this month has been such a whirlwind and after getting backย last night from another weekend out of town this week seems to have snuck up on me! I know I haven’t taken nearly enough time to stop and be still and focus on the real reason we are having Christmas, which of course is to celebrate Jesus.
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:6-7
As I reflected on this verse, I was reminded of this sermon I posted about last year at Christmas time. I can’t read that passage in Luke and not think of how casual it sounds, “Then it came time for a baby to be born”. But, this verse isn’t just referring to any baby. This baby is the Messiah, Jesus!ย
Out of all the ways Jesus could have been welcomed into this world, it was in a manger. There was nothing glorious or grand about it. Not only was the place inconsequential, but the person too. Jesus was birthed to an unwed teenager. Isn’t it so easy to think that God would never pick us to birth a miracle out of? But it’s people like you and like me that He likes to come in and work the miraculous through.
This story, which in Luke is so easy to breeze by as it sounds so simple, brings us hope.ย It proves that God’s way of doing things is much different than our ways. It’s in the middle of loss and infertility, that we can still celebrate, because we have a Savior who has given us a promise of eternal life and while we are waiting to spend eternity with Him, Heย is with us to carry us through all the trials!
As our family celebrates Christmas this year it’s going to look much different than it ever has before. Our little Kai won’t be there with us and although the party he is having with Jesus in heaven definitely trumps our party here on earth, He will still be missed tremendously. Although it will be really hard, it doesn’t mean we have to mourn or pout becauseย Jesus came so that we can have peace and hope despite our circumstances.
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and no matter what you are facing, whether it’s loss of a loved one or infertility, you remember that Jesus came to be your hope in all circumstances. Let Him be your joy during this Christmas season!
Kimberly
Posted at 07:55h, 22 DecemberI couldnt agree more. My mom was over the other day and was starting to freak out about how many presents she still has to buy for everyone still, and that struck me. Why does it all have to be about presents? Why cant we all just enjoy our time together, reflect on the year and whats to come? And yes! “the reason for the season” Is Jesus Christ! This Christmas is a little different than all of the other years for us, as we are batteling the fertility. I am definitly taking more time to reflect and pray. I have a huge journey ahead of me. I love you blog! I love the passages. Looks like you had a great time in South America!!
jennifer prod
Posted at 09:39h, 22 Decemberwe had a similar sermon at church yesterday, about recognizing the humanity in the story of Jesus’s birth, and using the crisis it caused (between Mary and Josef and their families) to recognize how God reaches out to us in His own ways <3 a beautiful reminder.
Emily @ EatLoveProcreate
Posted at 09:46h, 22 DecemberI need to focus more on Him right now too. Time to start another devotional to keep me focused! It never hit me before how nonchalant that verse sounds…yep, she birthed baby Jesus just like that! ๐
Tiffany (A Touch of Grace)
Posted at 13:58h, 22 DecemberThis is a huge part of what my week is going to be focused on. Remembering why we celebrate and remembering our loved ones.
xoxo
Jojo
Posted at 14:05h, 22 DecemberThis is such a great reminder…I’ve always said it should be about being together as a family and being thankful instead of buying presents. Hope ur family can enjoy this time with peace, love n comfort.
Tania // Run To Radiance
Posted at 14:09h, 22 DecemberI feel like i have been so caught up in the decor and shopping part of the season that I haven’t taken the time to really meditate on Christ’s birth and all the glorious simplicity and divinity. Thank you for this reminder.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom
Posted at 15:18h, 22 DecemberThis just confirms how we are such kindred spirits.
My heart is especially sensitive to those who are suffering or have experienced loss this past year. Jesus is our prince of peace — even in the midst of our grief. I pray you’ll continue to find comfort this Christmas, especially given you will be celebrating without Kai. You’re right, we can still celebrate because we have a saviour!
I love your heart my friend and I pray for you often.
Blessings to you and Merry Christmas.
xoxo
Kelly @ Southern Komfort Blog
Posted at 15:51h, 22 DecemberThis is so beautiful, Caroline, just like your heart and love for Jesus! Merry Christmas!
Ellen
Posted at 20:38h, 22 DecemberWhat a thoughtful post about Christmas! I’m sorry for your loss but happy you have a thoughtful and joyous way of dealing with it.
Kelli {A Deeper Joy}
Posted at 09:20h, 23 DecemberLove this, Caroline! I’ve been so bad about not letting Him be my joy this Christmas. I needed this reminder!
Suzanne
Posted at 14:04h, 23 DecemberI’m so behind on your beautiful posts. I’m so glad I got to read this one. Merry Christmas to you, my friend!! Sending you so much love! xoxo
Laura @ Making Baby Provence
Posted at 14:43h, 23 DecemberVery beautifully said, Caroline. I hope your Christmas is blessed. Thank you for this awesome reminder.