“And He (Jesus) will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6b (NIV)
Brokenhearted over a lost love, young Ebenezer Scrooge allowed bitterness to penetrate deep. A Christmas Carol details Scrooge’s struggle from Christmas Past, Christmas Present and the Christmas Yet To Be. He not only extinguished joy in his own life, but Scrooge was determined to do the same to those around him. As he sees his life unfold, Scrooge realizes that he allowed the loss of one love to rob him of the love of many people.
Wonder if we unpacked our lives if we would find the same?
Broken relationships can often close our hearts to loving others. Our disappointments can mount and especially during the holidays, we can find ourselves avoiding another Christmas season. Excusing ourselves from gatherings. Allowing our wounds to take center stage.
From the age of six, my son’s holidays were spent being transported from one parent to the other. An empty parking lot was often the meet and drop off spot. While his friends played with their toys, he left his gifts behind and headed to the other parent’s house. I’m sure there were moments when he was greatly disappointed and brokenhearted over his “imperfect family,” yet I never saw his joy escape him. There were no complaints or grumbling, instead he’d give me a hug and say, “Merry Christmas Mom.”
Amazing how resilient we were when our bodies were small and our hearts were large. We didn’t seem to hold grudges as long, and we definitely found it easier to forgive. Instead of letting broken relationships extinguish our joy this holiday season, let’s seize the moment to bless the people God has brought into our lives. Let’s share the reason for the joy residing within us. Even if we are the only ones, let’s intentionally choose His peace over our feelings.
“Father, You are the keeper of our hearts – help us to love large and extend grace reflecting Your heart to our world.”
For His Glory
Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life
trbccoffeebreak 
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