MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Bah Humbug?

Alright, I have a confession to make. I have a love/hate relationship with Christmas. I pretty much love everything about it on the surface. And you know, the underlying reason for celebration and all. But, for me, it is the absolute loneliest time of the year. And that's even when I get to be with my family (honestly, sometimes that's when I feel the most alone). So no lectures about how I should just move back to Arkansas!

Being ridiculously single is somewhat tolerable most other times of the year. But there's something about Christmas. Seeing everyone out shopping for their kids and spouses. And the idea of waking up on Christmas morning to celebrate with them. And all the stupid commercials that shove it in your face. Yeah, it's difficult.

It's funny because I've been able to cope with it a little bit better this year simply because of one little thing my pastor said during his sermon on Sunday. It was one of those lines where you're left in awe because you feel as if it was directed right at you. He simply acknowledged in passing that it is a difficult time of the year when people often feel alone. But we can't let Satan succeed in distracting us from the fact that we should be satisfied in Christ alone. I belong to the Lord, but it's amazing what a great job Satan can do in distracting me from worship. Now obviously, this is easier said than done. But I am thankful that God laid it on his heart to share with us because it's amazing what a little acknowledgement of the loneliness that many people feel during this time of year and a few words of encouragement can do to lift your spirits when most of the time people just gloss over it.

On a happier note, Merry Christmas!! What an awesome God we serve that sent his only son to die on the cross for our sins!!