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,
