Finding Christmas
Canon 5D Mark ll, 100 2.8 macro, 2.8 aperture, 1/50 shutter speed, 500 ISO
We are having a happy Christmas in our home this year, but I am also keenly aware that this season can enhance the grief that so many are experiencing. I have had some difficult seasons of my own. One that I only faintly remember, it was so painful. The one year that Christmas came at the most inopportune time. It was the year of the dark shadow. Grieving the loss of a baby, I was absent from my family and my own ability to stay present. I could not function as a mom, a wife, a friend or a follower of Christ. Looking back now I know in the deepest places that God was holding me, all the pieces of me, in soft, strong hands. I was held, covered and safe in the darkness, until the light dawned again.
It did dawn.
If you are going through a time of grief, or if this season somehow deepens your past pain, I pray that you would know how loved you are. Extravagantly, lavishly loved by your creator God. He gave up everything to fight for you. You may know this with your mind, but just not be able to feel it. I pray you can, that you will.
Know this. You are not alone. All you have to do is breathe out His name and He is there, holding you, invisibly but surely. Jesus. Emmanuel, God is with us. He has promised He will never leave us.
If you are having a good season, I encourage you to be aware of those around you who may not be. A note, a phone call, an encouraging word, and best of all prayers help to make someone feel less alone. No one likes to feel alone.
Ephesians 3:18,19 ~”And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Psalm 91:15 ~”He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
Left Outside
Waiting
A Son is Given
Redemption
Hope
7 Comments
Thanks for this. Christmas is always hard without my grandparents because they made traditions happen, but even with that their joy for us and all of their family makes celebrating Christmas in their memory even sweeter.
Thank you for these beautiful sentiments. Healing does come, doesn’t it. Seems so impossible at the time, but yes, there is always a dawn, although sometimes it takes a long while rising. I am sorry for your loss. I am glad there is light again for you.
Your photographs here have an astonishing depth to them. You have made the baubles seem like real treasure – the story of beauty and celebration.
Our experiences do allow us to have compassion. That must be part of His plan. Thanks for sharing and encouraging us to show others we care. Our lives have taken similar paths. I’d love to talk sometime when we visit Clay and Susan!
I am so so glad I am a “follower”. The photographs are so so touching. I am just moved to my core with your choice of settings. True art. Its the contrast that allows us to see the beauty in it all isnt it! You have such a gift, I am so thankful you are using it to His glory.
Beautiful images and heart. I always love reading your gentle words.
“I was held, covered and safe in the darkness, until the light dawned again.”
Well said, momma. It’s part of your heart to look after the ones who get left behind, I think. That’s why you write blogs like this, even when your days are cheerful. And you become a blessing to so many! Keep it up… for 9 more days.
🙂
Thanks Mary Anne for reminding us that God is always there, even when we cannot see Him. Your words are comforting. Beautiful.