IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK LIKE CHRISTMAS

The doors were open and it seemed like every woman in Az was there. Hobby Lobby Black Friday, only this was Saturday. It was sacred grounds for women only, no husbands or children ( ok, their might have been a few of those but very few). Hobby Lobby does it right. They put all the Christmas items on one side so serious shoppers have more time to gather their special decorations/ gifts/baking/ than looking for the items. Having a new house this year we were short with Christmas cheer. Throughout the isles you could hear laughter, chatter…pure JOY, with sheer strangers. We may have all been strangers but it became evident how much we had common. I quickly became “shopping buddies” with two women who were spending a considerable amount of time in one particular isle. The candle isle. Why? Because everyone knows that lights and candles make the season bright. But as we eyeing the candle holders, I came across a special set. It was the scene of a old red truck in the snow with pines tress all around it. I was thinking of Jake. It was his first Christmas in his apartment and money was very slim. I became sad and the women I was with started to ask why. It turned out we all had the same story when it came to our kids. Their right of passage into their 20+ can be difficult, and, as moms, I would say it’s challenging for us too. I wished I could go over to their apartment and decorate the entire place, like I did where I work, but money is slim for us as well. So I got those two glass candle holders, along with the candles. We may not be able to provide all the decorations for his first Christmas, but we did give him his greatest gift. Jesus. As much I love the lights and candles, it’s the story about Jesus and His birth that changed the world forever, and me too. Maybe your Christmas this year isn’t so joyful because of a loss of a loved one, a job, your home, a diagnosis…or just struggling to find yourself in your 20+. Whatever your circumstances, Jesus is the answer. I don’t say this flippantly, but rather someone who has gone through a lot of hardships and Jesus has proven himself to be faithful…just when I needed Him the most. I pray that Jesus will show you today how much he loves you and can be depended on.