'Tis the Season, my friends!
In the wake of recent tragedies, Christmas feels different this year. As I mentioned in my last post, it is hard to feel the joy and peace that comes this time of year while knowing that so many families' Christmases are changed forever. However, I found this week's #lookoutlivingword to help me view Christmas through this difficult lens.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were old and without children, and though they lived "blameless in their observance of all the Lord's commandments," many people believed that they weren't able to have kids as a punishment for their sins or that something was very wrong with them. Elizabeth had to not only face the feelings of disappointment and self-loathing from being barren, but also endure the disgrace and speculation of the townspeople. I'm sure Elizabeth often wondered why God would put her through such a tragic and painful experience. I bet at times it was difficult to stay faithful and trust in God's will. Yet it was this exact experience that helped her advise and comfort Mary when she became pregnant with Christ. This passage reminds us that though we do not always understand why we experience tragedy in our lives, God has a plan for each of us. In that knowledge, we can find joy and peace.
"Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her." Luke 1:45
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this week's #lookoutlivingword. Remember to use SOAP!
Walk in Love,
Molly
In the wake of recent tragedies, Christmas feels different this year. As I mentioned in my last post, it is hard to feel the joy and peace that comes this time of year while knowing that so many families' Christmases are changed forever. However, I found this week's #lookoutlivingword to help me view Christmas through this difficult lens.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were old and without children, and though they lived "blameless in their observance of all the Lord's commandments," many people believed that they weren't able to have kids as a punishment for their sins or that something was very wrong with them. Elizabeth had to not only face the feelings of disappointment and self-loathing from being barren, but also endure the disgrace and speculation of the townspeople. I'm sure Elizabeth often wondered why God would put her through such a tragic and painful experience. I bet at times it was difficult to stay faithful and trust in God's will. Yet it was this exact experience that helped her advise and comfort Mary when she became pregnant with Christ. This passage reminds us that though we do not always understand why we experience tragedy in our lives, God has a plan for each of us. In that knowledge, we can find joy and peace.
"Happy is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill the promises he made to her." Luke 1:45
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this week's #lookoutlivingword. Remember to use SOAP!
Walk in Love,
Molly
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