Kaboom! The windows in our bedroom rattled, jolting me out of a dreamless sleep. I heard my husband roll over and exhale a deep sigh. Then I waited.
Within thirty seconds, little feet pattered across the hall and through the door to my bedside. I pulled back the covers and, without a word, invited my daughter to climb in between her dad and me. We all three settled back to sleep listening to the rain pelt our rooftop.
In December.
Some of you don’t see the problem here, you blessed moms of beach babies. Maybe in your part of the world, rain in December is typical, or even welcomed.
But we live in Wisconsin. And last week the skies poured down more than three inches of rain, which, under normal circumstances, would’ve been nearly two feet of snow. We should be strapping on our skis right now, not our rain boots. But by the grace of God, we’ve had a mild start to winter, therefore our grass got a soaking instead of a blanket of icy fluff.
What are your expectations for this Christmas season? Did you imagine one thing and got another?
If you’d hoped for a pile of presents for your children—but lost your job instead.
If you’d aimed to spend this week baking or traveling or party-hopping—but someone came down with the flu.
If you dream of happy family gatherings where everyone laughs and hugs—but you end up leaving early in a snit.
You are not alone.
I thought I’d take my kids sledding. But roller skates will have to do.
Two thousand years ago, Israel expected a king. What it got was a penniless baby, born in a feeding trough, to a virgin girl and a carpenter. Glamorous, no. Yet so much more glorious than anyone could have possibly foreseen.
This Christmas, regardless of what you think life is supposed to look like, will you lift your hands to God? Thank him for knowing what you don’t. For seeing what you can’t. And for sending you the gift of His precious Son.
He’s not just the reason for the season.
He is the reason for everything.
“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:3–5).
Blessings to you and your family. I hope you enjoy a magnificent Christmas season filled with the peace of Jesus, no matter what the weather holds.
Much love,
Becky