A Different Kind of Christmas Gift

There's a Christmas gift you may open early this year, even today. It's found in Romans 8:32 (NIV) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

This verse was one of my anchor points. Days and months marched on past my husband's homegoing and kind folks continued to sympathize and shake their heads at the shock of it all. I suppose maybe Bruce being a pastor, and such an instantaneous death made it an event embraced by a larger, more public community than I would have had otherwise; it was kind of a ripple effect, touching new sets of people time and time again. Over and over again I'd meet more people who'd be 'so sorry for my loss.' And really, that was the right thing, the polite thing, to say.

But I really needed to hear that although my life was different from what I had expected and wanted--God, who did not spare his own Son for me, would graciously give me all things. That was the truth: my life was different but it was not diminished. I had no husband, but grace, friendships and help poured in. God's love, help and watchfulness was at every turn. Evidence of his providence filled my notebooks as much as loneliness filled my heart. My needs were God's way of leading me, my anguish was his call to find my all in him, my pain held promise and hope.

And so, my dear sister in sorrow, may I give you this gift today of God's riches at Christ's expense? Talk to the Lord about it and accept the gift of His truth: He freely gave his only Son for you, there's nothing He'll hold back.

". . . neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I'll be praying for you especially this week. Please feel free to contact me any time.

(Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alphadesigner/2126996583/in/gallery-48926779@N02-72157625362935647/)