With Great Joy

Christmas 2017. It is almost impossible to believe, but here we are. It is just around the corner. I remember the Christmas in 1968 Pat gave me my engagement ring. It seems like it just happened, but the years tell a different story. Grady was born in 1970. Tricia joined our family in 1972. And on we advanced through the decades with our two children now married, and grandchildren and a great-grandchild to bring joy. There have been so many life lessons to be learned throughout my 69 years. There have been joys, and there have been heart-wrenching times. Mama passed in 2013. Daddy is in memory care at Autumn Cove, and the sweet bride he married in 2015 suffers through the pain of loss with us.

Life has happened, and it continues to happen until the moment when I will be called home to be with the Lord. This Christmas I celebrate the gift of Christ’s life for mine. I celebrate His grace that fills me with love beyond what I can offer. I celebrate my family. Life is a beautiful gift we often squander or waste. Each moment is a chance to love with all our heart. That moment to love will never come again. Love those who are in your life. This Christmas celebrate life with your family because you never know how long you may have. Celebrate the gift you have been so graciously given. It came at the greatest cost.

Now I pray “to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy”—I pray you will allow Him to fill your heart and make this Christmas one you will remember with great joy. His joy will carry you through life’s heartaches, and, one day, straight into eternity with Him.

(Scripture—Jude 1:24, NLT)

© 2017 Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com