I went flipping through my closet. I pushed around skirts and tank tops looking for the perfect sweater – the one I don’t own. Or even a scarf that resembled winter. One that has a stroke of gold thread or an embroidered snowflake. I knew I had nothing to wear. Defeated, I sat on the floor in a dramatic fashion, proclaiming to a patient husband, “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR.” He picked out a dress for me, and a scarf and some boots and told be to pack them because I thought they were cute. This was only a few days ago. And this was me – trying to find something to wear to a Christmas service.

This year, the weight of the holiday season has not been heavy. I’ve not thought much about Jesus. But I have been thinking about how I didn’t decorate our house or listen to a lot of Christmas music. And how I’ve missed a lot of church services because of travel. I think about the gifts I’ve bought and if they will be well received. I wonder if I spent enough or too much. I think about our new home and how many boxes are still unpacked and the wall paper and paint that needs to come off and on the wall. But not about Jesus. Nope.

I come to Christmas Eve, and I’m saddened by my state. I think about all of the things I have or have not done. And it’s tiring. Joy-stealing and hopeless.

Then I remember what God did.

In a world full of people who rejected Him, God sent his son Jesus to live and die for us. When we admit we are in poor standing with God and place our faith in the source of LIFE, God gives us hope. This hope is so great that it surpasses our own understanding. So really, God gives us joy. The promise of forever with God through Jesus, the Savior, brings us joy. Nothing can come between that promise, and His promises are true and eternal. I just get so giddy when I think about that love that God has for us. And with that, God gives us peace. Knowing that no matter what happens. Things as simple as feeling dumpy in an old dress in church… Or things as serious as the Newtown, CT shooting. These things are still true. God is still good. God is still at work. He is still the source of hope and joy and peace and that will never change.

I hope you readers have the most wonderful of Christmases. I hope that no matter how many awkward family situations there are or how many ever “bad” Christmas presents you receive… I hope that you find your TRUE hope in the Lord Jesus Christ – the one who is the source of life and joy and peace.