Full of Christmas Surprises
Packages, decorated cookies, hot mulled cider: It must be Christmas! And what wide-eyed child doesn’t shake, and listen to every package in anticipation of the big day. But my husband and I didn’t have to wait for Christmas for our presents.
In another article I shared how we had to move permanently from our newly decorated condo due to an offensive, unexplained odor. But what we didn’t expect were the gifts that came from the upheaval!
At first, our packages were hidden by our grief. We didn’t see the bright colored boxes with the bows of friends who encouraged us. Nor were the aromas of fresh baked cookies, and hot mulled cider allowed to penetrate through: new neighbors, finding a nice location, and a great condo.
As the shock of displacement, and not understanding why waned, we started noticing our surprises. But we had to accept them as from the Lord, trusting His redirection. Like a child on Christmas morning, we couldn’t unwrap our gifts fast enough.
Then the next shoe dropped with a thud! I’d learned an on-going disease is here to stay. To live successfully meant good monitoring, and life style changes. For a first born, type A personality, not good news. Again, shimmering paper, and smells of comforting spices from three tiny packages went unnoticed. Why? I confess. With both of these unexpected changes, and disappointments, (moving and my health), to complain, to moan and to groan seemed qualified: Satan’s trap? A down cast spirit.
Why do we forget Satan’s defeat began at the manager with its finality culminating at the cross and the resurrection? Why do we live like paupers spouting: “Oh, what shall we do? How will we handle this?” If we are in Christ, we have victory! It’s time to claim it, and send Satan packing! As it says in I Corinthians 15: 57, But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ (NKJV).
Ashamed, I asked God’s forgiveness and discovered my three packages begging my attention. The first surprise assured me of who I am! “ I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
The second gave me the strength not to give up. I wasn’t alone: When you pass through the waters I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
The third let me know it wouldn’t be easy, but in Christ, Satan had no hold on me. God promised: When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flames scorch you. For I am the Lord Your God (Isaiah 43 1-3).
This Christmas when unexpected changes, illness or setbacks raise their ugly heads, may we see lurking behind them the victorious gleaming gifts, and the fragrant aromas heard from God’s heart: “I do not ask you, [your name] to understand. Hold my hand. Let go. I’ve won. Claim the victory with Me. I’ll never leave you. You are Mine.”
Merry Christmas ~ Sharon