"Tis the Season! A Message for Those Hurting During the Holidays.

Christmas is quickly approaching! Our holiday decor is almost complete! Our last bit of decorating will be on our Christmas tree, which will be purchased this next week.

I mentioned to James that I thought I would purchase matching pj's for the family to wear on Christmas Eve, then maybe have an ornament decorating activity for everyone. I wanted to know what he thought of my idea. He listened, then paused and said, "Yes, then maybe we can jump into the time-machine and go back to 1991?" We laughed together and I have since nixed the pj idea. (George will also be relieved!)

While I am a tad overly enthusiastic about the upcoming Christmas season, I do realize there are some, for which this holiday will be painful. I have several friends who have experienced loss this year and the thought of the upcoming holidays can be overwhelming.

The word of God says, "Weeping may endure for the night - but joy comes in the morning" Psalm 30:5. There are seasons where I've wept and others where I have rejoiced! Having wept through holidays myself, my heart becomes more aware of those who may be experiencing sadness / grief this year. I am encouraged with what the Bible says about those who are broken-hearted.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
straight your paths.

Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no
more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,
for the former things have passed away.”

Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I
will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives
do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be
afraid.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly
of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never
permit the righteous to be moved.

As we are all preparing for celebrating Jesus' birth, let us be sensitive to those who may need a word of encouragement, a hug, a special gift or simply a kind word. I am so thankful for the "joy" that comes in the morning.

May the Lord richly bless you all!
Much love,
Steph

--
*Stephanie Henderson

www.stephaniehendersonministries.com*