She distributed to each one of us an 8 by 10 head shot and said, “Now turn them over.” My husband, my son, my daughter-in-law, and I began reading personalized handwritten notes. Silence filled the room while tears filled our eyes. As we passed around a kleenex box, we each were awestruck by the same realization—our daughter, sister, sister-in-law had figuratively “come home.”
For four seemingly endless years, our family experienced tensions, arguments, and misery because of our daughter’s choices. Whether together or miles apart, the circumstances appeared hopeless. Daily Father God heard my prayers. Daily He comforted me. Yet without fail each holiday season brought dread instead of joy until Christmas 2008. No one could have imagined the wondrous offerings of apology. What a blessing to experience restoration.
As tears subsided over the gift of our daughter’s return, our son and daughter-in-law handed my husband and me another gift. As we opened the present and pulled away the tissue paper, we caught sight of a first response pregnancy test, proclaiming positive results. Oh my—a grandchild! With overflowing tear ducts and wet cheeks, we passed the kleenex box around again and praised God for new life.
The good news overwhelmed me. My years of mourning exchanged for celebration. A restored relationship with my daughter—thank you God. The birth of a grandchild—doubly blessed!
Oh to experience new life. Over two thousand years ago, a new life was celebrated by Mary and Joseph, the angels, shepherds, and wise men. Jesus was born and the good news spread. I’m confident that happy tears flowed. Those who knew the word of God realized the long-awaited Messiah had come. God had faithfully kept His promise in His perfect timing.
New life arrived from heaven to earth to fulfill God’s Word. New life arrived from heaven to earth to live with humanity. New life arrived from heaven to earth to ransom captives. New life arrived from heaven to earth to restore relationships. Praise God. Praise God for Jesus!
Receive the good news of Jesus the Messiah and celebrate life this Christmas. No matter if your situations are filled with dread or full of joy, celebrate! God is faithful to His promises.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for new life through Jesus Christ. As my family and I celebrate your birth this Christmas, we will also give you thanks for restoration with exceeding blessings. Thank you that my daughter and her husband will celebrate new life through the birth of their first child in April 2020. We offer our gratitude with songs of joy.
This Christmas may people all over the world hear with receptive hearts the good news of great joy. No matter their situations, may they find comfort in knowing the depth of your love—a love so full of sacrifice that they can be saved from their sins in order to live abundantly on earth and eternally in heaven. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16”