Rejoice!

 Isaiah 9: 1-4 v 3 “You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice.”

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. For you will break the yolk of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.

Our lives have many seasons, and so do each year. As we are experiencing some of the coldest days of this year my grandson and I looked at the Christmas book of family photos throughout the year. We laughed at the memories of being on the beach in British Columbia and catching crabs, digging in the sand, and just spending all morning outside in our shorts and t shirts! This time of cold will not go on forever! There is always hope in our faith. Whatever we are personally going through, God says here, it will not last forever, you will see a great light! Even as things change in our daily lives, if all the things around us beyond our control seem to be dark, a light will shine! We will rejoice as we grow in community together. Our burdens will be lifted from our shoulders. So, wrap yourself in that warm blanket and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate, in time this will pass! Reach out to a CrossWalk friend if you need a friendly chat. Rejoice!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the reassurance that light will shine in our lives whatever we are feeling today. Help us rejoice in the light of your love. Amen.