Christmas 'firsts' can be a reason for extra celebration, such as when Blossom had Charlie David in early December 2020, and the joy we experienced welcoming that new wee babe to our clan. This blessed gift from the Lord after a year of challenge with covid lockdowns and restrictions made that Christmas even more special for our whole family. Holding newborn Charlie David in our arms, Blossom and I considered the moment Mary held her own newborn Son, Yeshua (Jesus), in her young arms and the enormity of her heart now overflowing with favour, gratitude and joy for a safe delivery and a promise fulfilled.
But Christmas 'firsts' can also be touched with sadness for those who have lost loved ones throughout the year. I believe God's comfort is the only healing balm which can hold a broken heart together during times of celebration, when those around are rejoicing.
This Christmas I have two dear friends who lost their mothers during the year, and many others who have asked for prayer in comments and emails, after the loss of their husbands or family members.
Let us be mindful of those around us who will struggle in this 'first' Christmas without their loved one, and hold them in prayer. And let us also pray for those who do not know the Lord yet, and have not sought His gentle comfort.
I am praying for all of you who have faced loss this year, and asking the Lord to magnify His great comfort and love within your hearts, that you may lift teary eyes to heaven and be able to rejoice also in the gift of Christ our Lord.
Use the link below to download this free pattern
Thank you for your prayers for little Charlie David. He is still unwell, as is Cully May now too. When we visited yesterday, I sat holding 7yo Cully May for a long time in my arms as her body burned with fever, and Blossom held her little boy as he struggled to sleep. We have prayed, and glorify God for His hand upon each of their lives, for nothing is allowed without His approval, and sometimes sickness must run its course before the healing is sure.
I shall be back in a few days with the 5th free pattern for Christmas 2023. In the meantime we're expecting a lot of rain as Cyclone Jasper edges closer to the coast. There's still uncertainty as to where it will make landfall, but it's unlikely to be close to us. However, it's a slow moving cyclone, and that means it gathers a lot more water, so heavy rains over areas below the cyclone are expected, and that's us.
God bless dear ones,
15 comments:
Oh no! I didn't know Cully May is sick too! May she have a speedy recovery. Another lovely pattern and beautifully worded post. X
Hello from far away....Thank you for your loveley posts! They are such a gift, and so soothing, when you write about the things you do in your life, baking, sewing.....I am a stay at home Mum, and have often felt "not good enough" because I don't have a paid job...But when you tell us that we are all good enough whatever we do, it lifts my sprits, so THANK YOU for that!
I have a tip for you, concerning the fever of the little darlings.....Let them wear "vinegar socks" for a while....soak socks in tepid water that has some vinegar in it, or the juice of a lemon. Put a dry pair of socks over that, and it will help to get the fever down....This is an old fashioned "trick" I have used it and found it helped....Take care and blessings!
I hope and pray the little ones will be better soon. xx
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for another free pattern :)
Sounds like the rain has arrived. Hope it lasts and rejuvenates the earth, ground water, spirit and soul.
Hugs, take care,
Joanne
Prayers for those dear babes and safety in that cyclone.🙋🏼♀️🙏🏻
Thank you for that darling design, Jennifer, and for the thoughts in your blog post. I too am praying for those who are experiencing "firsts" - it's so hard - but with God's grace we will get through them, and may the memories and God's love sustain us. Praying for no flooding, and for those babies to get well quickly!
This one is especially appealing to me dear Jennifer - "Comfort & Joy" & in a gorgeous wooden hoop - I just love everything about it.💗 Thank you for the free pattern dear friend.
Yes this Christmas it feels like there is a big Mum-sized gap in my life .. I burn candles for her & keep her memories very much alive around me ... but it will take some time as I know grieving does.
Prayers for Cully May & for dear Charlie David - I do hope little Raphaela doesn't come down with it now. Sending love dear friend x0x0x
Thank you, dear Jennifer for the Comfort & Joy. Still sending up prayers for little Charlie David and now, also, Cully May. Hoping the cyclone doesn't cause any damage in your area. Prayers for all those in this world that need the Lord's comfort.
May God Bless you and your Family
Thank you so much for this pattern - I love the idea of the watering can bring comfort and joy to our dried out plants as well as the Living Water from our Lord.
Keeping your two grand kids in prayer - please keep us posted.
I saw where Jasper had been downgraded to a category 1 - but there is still damage. Prayers for those affected.
Blessings to you and yours.
Dearest Jennifer thank you greatly or the beautiful comfort and joy pattern. Your design is beautiful with your impeccable stitching. I must have somehow missed a post. about Cully Mae and Charlie David. I will start praying for them right now Dear friend, and about the cyclone as well.
Dear Sweet Jennifer: Prayers for your Littles and Healing Energy they may be well in time for a joyous Christmas celebration. My Little Great Granddaughter Skyler 5yo has caught chicken pox and her daddy has never had them. Lots of Prayers are lifted at this time of year. God knows he can handle the weights we give him. Merry Christmas to you and yours…XO
Praying all is well for a beautiful Christmas at two houses. Three houses. =)
Thank you for sending us free patterns. My prayers go to the children, my heart goes out to the feverish and other ill children. What bug do they have?Hopefully they are on antibiotics or antivirals. Robin K.
Jennifer,
This is a prayer
Father in heaven, we pour our hearts as we pray
for your child’s health. Unbearable as it may to see a
child in pain, our faith will never waver.
We believe in your almighty grace, Lord God.
Your love and compassion heals all ailments,
body and mind. Amen.
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