“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6

Christmas Day is about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior as well as what He did on the cross for our salvation. Over 2000 years ago were given the gift of eternal life. God sent His Son to bring light into our darkness and offer a way out of our sins through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us.

Because of God’s grace and mercy, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit who we can call on any time of the day. He hears our cries. He gives us the strength to get through the difficult days.

While 2023 has had its ups and downs for me. I have much to be thankful for this year. From February 14th (when my mom got sick) until now, I have learned a new “normal” for my life. My word for the year was, minister. I had no idea when God gave me that word it would apply to me with my mother.

Typically, when I think of that word, I think about it in a religious sense. However, one of the definitions is; to give service, care, or aid; attend, as to wants or necessities. This is exactly what I have been doing for my mother the past 9 months. I thought God was going to use me to minister to other people, but He knew I was going to have to help with my mother. I don’t know how I would have gotten through this year, without leaning into God and His Word. He has been my source and strength that got me through those challenging days. Even though my mother is adjusting, I still never know what each day holds with her. God sustains me.

As we close this year, let us think about all the ways God has blessed us. Can you see His hand in the curve balls life may have thrown you? My mother’s Alzheimer’s progressed to the point where she needed to be moved to an assisted living apartment closer to me. This definitely wasn’t on my radar.

However, I can see the good that has come out of it. I have met some special people where she is living. I have a new appreciation for those who work in assisted living facilities as well as all those working at hospitals. Because Christmas Day falls on a Monday, many don’t have the flexibility to get that day off. They have staffing 24 hours a day every day. As many of us spend time with family and friends, today is a work day for them. They will have to choose another day to celebrate their Christmas.

I am thankful for their love and dedication to their jobs. My mother will spend some time with us Christmas Day, but after a few hours she will be ready to go back to her place. At least I know dropping her off, that there will be staff there to make sure she is okay. Not all the residents are fortunate enough to have a place to go or family that visits them. I am sure it hurts their hearts to feel “forgotten.”

Not only do I know God has not forgotten any of His children today, but He knows each of us by name. We thank Him for sending His son, Jesus to dwell with us. As Isaiah 9:6 tells me; He is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace and He is yours too. That is something worth celebrating not just today and tomorrow but every day. Merry Christmas and may your day be filled with God’s love, joy and peace.

Father God,

Thank You for loving us so much, that You sent Your Son, Jesus, Our Savior, into this world to save us. We celebrate today not only for His birth but also for what Christ did on the cross for our salvation. I give You praise for this eternal gift. I lift those up to You today, who are unable to be with their family due to their jobs. For those who are alone without family to talk to or visit them, may they feel the warmth and love of their Personal Savior. While they may feel forgotten, You know them , see them and love them. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

  December Verse

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6

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