Do you feel in need of a new vision for Christmas this year? Sometimes I’ve felt that way in the past — it’s the same thing, year after year; the same story, the same celebrations.
Sometimes we need to pray for God to show us new things through the Christmas story.
One year, God answered this prayer for me in a pretty amazing way. It was a tough Christmas. Our twin girls were both married the summer before, and this year no one was coming home for Christmas. All our kids would be spending the holiday with their in-laws.
For the first time ever, I would be alone on Christmas Eve. My nest really was empty.
One passage that’s significant to me is at the end of Hebrews chapter 2 and chapter 4, both of which talk about how Jesus understands our weaknesses because He was tempted as we are (yet was without sin). I had been pondering these verses lots, and discovering how Jesus can relate to our emotions — to our losses, our griefs — even when it feels like no one can.
But this: How could Jesus understand my empty nest at Christmas? In my grief, I had no clue. And then God showed me something remarkable.
Watch the video below for the whole story.
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Dear Susan,
I just viewed your “empty nest” video and was grateful for the reminder that God is the creator of our emotions and He feels the same ones we have. Perhaps, as well, He is preparing you for the time when you may be left here and your husband has gone on to heaven. What a comfort that in this time of year, Jesus, our Emmanuel, will always be with us.
Blessings to you and your family this Christmas,
Becky Pinckney