Merry Messy Holiday | The Reason for the Season
Editor’s Note: This is a guest story by Ann Grace (please see her last Diva post for more on her journey). This is the finale of Diva Christmas 2019 – the reason for the season! Merry Christmas.
I woke up this morning excited to start this new day only to find myself struggling to
complete each tasks with a merry heart. You see, as I prepared to change my flannel sheets, I
looked at the various patterns to chose from only to be struck with tears as I saw the sheets with
vintage truck carrying a Christmas tree. Why was this such a trigger of emotions, you may ask?
Because those same sheets reminded me of Christmas with my little one. And this year, I have no
idea as to whether or not I will be reunited with him this holiday season due to this horrible
custody battle.
Have you ever been asked to wait patiently? Suffer joyfully? Or better yet, to trust the
Lord in the midst of so much uncertainty? In life’s messy moments that seem to only flourish
with the holidays, sometimes I am tempted to complain about all the trials and heartache I am
facing. I mean, lets face it. We say we “trust” God with our impossible Aunt Kay or something as
serious as a terminal illness, but, then find another reason to worry that just keeps us from being
merry! I can’t help but think about Jesus being ask to wait patiently for his big “reveal” only to
know that he would have to die for a bunch of sinners who will laugh at him and eventually kill
him unjustly. Jesus was a man acquainted with grief.
“He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:3-5 ESV
Can you imagine grief as your constant companion? The truth remains that we live in a
fallen world and one thing we can count on as believers in Christ are trials and persecution.
James 1:2-4 ESV
Are you merrily trusting this day in God’s perfect timing for a situation in your life?
Maybe it’s waiting for a tear filled prayer to be answered? Or a supernatural healing that only
God can do? And then there’s the constant pleading with God to bring repentance and salvation
to your spouse or loved one… 2 Peter 3:9 ESV
I still can’t guarantee that the Lord will ever bring me back my baby taken away from me
unjustly or give me a front row seat when swift justice and redemption occurs, but, I can say
beyond a shadow of a doubt that we serve a mighty God who loves us and our little ones more
than we could ever! And He will be our comfort, strength and hope this holiday season. He is
faithful and knows what is best for us even when it doesn’t make any sense! He can see what we
can’t. And if that means we are destined for a future of trials and tribulations in order to refine us
into someone more like Him, then, it is worth it!
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being
renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal
weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the
things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are
unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
As we prepare to celebrate our Savior’s birth this year, be solemnly reminded that unjust
suffering was apart of God’s plan for JESUS. And if we are called of Jesus Christ, we will also
face suffering like never before in these last days. But, take heart as Christ will keep us in His
hands! If we remain faithful and endure til the end, one day very soon, we will rule with Him!
Wishing you and your family a MERRY holiday season!
I am not a blogger, professional writer, photographer or foodie. I’m simply a mother of five (soon to be six) who has walked a road of grief after losing a husband and baby. I continue to encounter a Lord who is faithful. My desire is for others to know Him like I do and let Him be glorified in all I do say and do.
