Loved ones are no longer with us, the days are shorter, darker, and colder. The season says celebrate, but it’s hard sometimes, difficult to even think about decorating and celebrating. I didn’t get out our big tree, we have some small ones to sit on the floor and in a table in the family room representing only a snippet of Christmas.

As I pondered the holidays, I remembered it’s not about who is not with us, or what we have or don’t have, it’s about Who is with us Immanuel – God with us — and what He has given us — eternal life, unfailing love, peace, hope, and joy. Therefore, I’ve decorated inside and outside the house. I decorated and hummed Christmas songs as I celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, the true reason to celebrate the holidays. Christ is with us which means our joy, our reason to celebrate, is always with us.

Celebrate the truth, the reality, of a God who loved you so very much, that He sent His Son to rescue you. Jesus willingly laid down His life, to die for your sins, He rose again, and opened His nail-scarred hands to welcome you into His forever family. Celebrate the beauty of God’s unfailing love.

No matter how alone you may be, or how you may feel, regardless of your circumstances, you are never alone with Christ living in your heart.

We’ve been given eternal life in Christ; the joy of heaven came from heaven to bless us with His joy. In Christ, we have peace that remains, for we live in an eternal kingdom. In Christ, we are given a living hope that never leaves us hopeless.

Regardless of the calendar, no matter what life holds, you are always held securely in the love of Christ. Will you join me in celebrating?

“The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. …And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” ~ Luke 2:10-14 (NASB)

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.” ~ 1 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)

Celebrating the holidays first appeared on https://lisabuffaloe.com