When was the last time you heard some really good news?
Good afternon dear ones,
When was the last time you got some really good news? I mean news that made your heart sing. Maybe it was some recent report from your doctor who told you, “Your tumor is benign or the cancer is gone.”
Perhaps the good news came from your boss. He said, “Our company has done well this year and there’s a nice Christmas bonus for everyone.”
Or maybe your adult child just blessed you with the news that you’re going to be a grandparent.
We feel happy when we hear good news. Remember how elated the world felt this past October as we breathlessly witnessed the rescue of the 23 Chilean miners?
We especially love hearing good news when we personally benefit. Imagine for a minute what emotions you would experience if you received a phone call today congratulating you that you were the new winner of Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes worth $10 Million dollars. Joy? Happiness? Gratitude? Excitement? But only if you believed the caller was telling you the truth.
Yes, good news feels wonderful. It’s supposed to. Then why for so many people does Christmas feel stressful, ho-hum and even blah?
This Saturday, Christians worldwide will celebrate the birth of Christ. But often the week leading up to it our mind and heart is on everything but Jesus. Most of us are not resting in the Presence because we’re too busy getting ready cooking, cleaning, and buying and wrapping presents.
For just a moment today, press pause with me and let’s recall the familiar Christmas story. The scriptures tell us that a special angel filled with the glory of God came to tell the shepherds the good news. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I have something to tell you. I have good news, news so unbelievably amazing it will knock your socks (or sandals) off.”
“You don’t know him yet, but we know him. His name is Jesus and he is the very son of God. He is coming down to earth to be with you and show you what God is like. He has been born a baby, and He will save people from their brokenness, their sinfulness, their emptiness. This will bring you great joy.”
Jesus is here. Immanuel, God with us. Indeed, this is good news – but only if we believe it.
Christmas isn’t just about December 25th. Christmas is God’s good news, breaking into human history to set the captives free. It is good news for every day.
This week’s challenge is to remember the good news of the Gospel of Christ. Christmas isn’t about presents but about Presence – God with us. The more we are filled with Him, the more our heart is at peace, at rest, in love and filled with joy.
Have a happy holiday. My granddaughter just came last night and I’m going to enjoy her today!
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Enjoy your first Christmas as a grandmother Leslie… and thank you for the ways you have empowered me to step away from destruction and thus be able to celebrate Christmas PEACEFULLY with my family.
God Bless,
Julie
Hi Leslie, I just found your website last night through amazaon.com. Your book, came up as a recommendation based on other books I have ordered. Looking inside the book, I was a amazed! Looking through the resources, I was more amazed since I have read most of the books. Wishing I had found you last year at this time when I was seperated from my husband of 10 years, after coming to the sad realization that he didn't see the need for change. The Lord led me into the wilderness for a season (Christmas is frequently the time of the year he does that) This Christmas I am in a very different wildnerness. My only child passed away last week at the age of 24. He was diagnosed at the age of 7 with a life threatening disease, which took away his ability to walk and talk by the time he was 9 when I was just beginning a relationship with the Lord. Today God's love, grace and mercy is everywhere I look – surrounding me, pouring over me, covering me!! Through my act of obedience in seperating from my husband a year ago, he finally became aware of his need for a Savior and God is doing what only He can do – bringing restoration. Joy to the world! The Lord is come!!!
Leslie,
Just wanted to say thank you for all you do in the hopes of creating an awareness of abuse in families and in helping those in abusive situations.
This will be my second Christmas since my abusive husband left two years ago and life is slowly moving forward. And yes, I did file for divorce, against the advice of many Christian people I know, but when I saw no real change in his abusive ways and not real desire to change, I knew it was time.
May you and your family have a beautiful Christmas and may the New Year be bright and prosperous for you.
Blessings!