Christmas Invites Us to Slow Down and Reflect on God’s Love
These days, just before Christmas, we are often filled with anticipation—our plans for friends and family, and once again, to be engaged in the true meaning of Christ’s birth. Somewhere also in our thoughts, we recognize next week is New Year’s. Why are we surprised each time that an entire year has gone by?
As I approach Christmas, I am reminded how precious life, health, community, and calling truly are and that we don’t walk alone.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121-1-2.
Trusting God With What We Couldn’t See
Christmas celebrates God coming near—Emmanuel, God with us. Yet sometimes we may feel alone, where God asks us to have faith rather than immediate answers.
Looking back, one of the clearest themes of my year was learning—again—to trust God when the road ahead wasn’t clear. The verse that carried me through writing, waiting, health issues, and setbacks is one I continue to hold close:
That promise held Roger, my husband, and me steady in times of uncertainty and gratitude alike.
A Year of Healing and Gratitude
This year deepened our awareness of how fragile—and how resilient—life can be. We are profoundly thankful for compassionate medical care, for healing, and for the grace of restored strength. These experiences have reminded me not to take a single day for granted.
I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
If this year brought health challenges for you or someone you love, may these days of Christmas remind you that God’s care is near and personal.
Work That Feels Like A Calling
After seven years of writing, revising, and leaning on God, my biblical novel Daughters of the Wilderness will be published in the coming months. Like Advent itself, this journey involved waiting—and learning that God’s timing is thoughtful and purposeful.
Serving with the Network of Biblical Storytellers International has also been a true inspiration from the people who live under different constraints about their Christian faith. We have no idea how, in other countries, the right to worship isn’t the norm. We tried sending a check to our International Chair in India, where the religion is 80% Hindu. They returned the check because it had the name “Network of Biblical Storytelling”. In Africa, our affiliate leader couldn’t get one of our grant checks as the country was in lockdown for over two months. Sharing Scripture across cultures and communities has been a powerful reminder that God’s Word continues to bring light, especially in uncertain times.
An Invitation to Reflect
What has this year held for you? When you look through your calendar, does it remind you of some joys you may have forgotten? Perhaps also some heartaches? Whatever your year, I hope you can reflect on God’s presence throughout your experiences.
- Where did you see God’s faithfulness this year?
- What challenged you to trust more deeply?
- Who walked alongside you when you needed encouragement?
- What are you carrying forward, and what might you release?
I hope this season offers you space to rest and recharge, knowing God is with you in every part of your days.
With gratitude to each of you who read, pray, encourage, and walk this journey with me. I wish you a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, healing, and trust in the God who goes before us.
May the light of Christ—born into the world we celebrate at Christmas—continue to guide your steps. May you carry forward what has mattered most, release what no longer serves you, and step into the New Year trusting in God’s plans for you.
With blessings, peace, and gratitude,
Lisa
