When Christmas Erases Pain.

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What woke us up those cold Christmas mornings was our little boys jumping on our bed. “C’mon, let’s open the presents. C’mon!”

I opened my eyes, groggy and exhausted, and dragged myself out of bed. Better than a cup of coffee was their excitement, their squeals when they opened what they had asked for gave me a rush of delight.

But as I gathered the torn wrapping paper and picked up the bows tossed to the side, I sat and reflected on Jesus’ warning: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

Become like them? Did He mean their innocence that keeps them enjoying the moment? Their delight, empty of worry? Their laughter, free from fear? And their words of anticipation for the next activity without a second thought about yesterday?

Even when God uses children as our example, we allowed the world to become our guide-the troubles, the worry, the fear, and the anxiety become the black coal under the tree of gloom.

If that gloom covers your Christmas this year, choose to become like children.

Nestle in God’s arms of protection, and unwrap the gifts He placed under the tree of His love.

• When pain sears, invite Him to soothe it.
• When battles rage, let Him fight them.
• When peace wanes, let Him renew it.
• When fear appears, let Him erase it.
• When heartache weighs heavy, let Him carry it.
• When a diagnosis shocks your world, know that God paves your tomorrows.

Children don’t worry about tomorrow, they don’t fear things that haven’t happened, are not anxious because of relationships, nor do they have sleepless nights because of uncertainty.

That’s the freedom Jesus was born to give.

That’s why becoming like them helps you rediscover what Christmas means: to reignite your joy and restore your peace.

Let’s Pray

Lord, so often I’ve get caught in the rush of the season, the activities, and the frills. But secretly, I still carry the pain inside. Thank You for offering the example children bring so I can rush to open the gifts You placed under the tree of Your love.

In Jesus name. Amen.

What part of you needs to model the attitude of a child?

Bonus article on today’s topic.

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

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