A Heavy Heart

As I sit here this morning, the day after Christmas, I sit with mixed emotions. First, I am so thankful for and overwhelmed by the love of Christ.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6.

He is truly wonderful, ......my counsellor, ......my God ... my heavenly Father, and from whom all my peace comes. And He is the reason for this season and the true meaning of Christmas. He is the reason I am here today. Without Him, I am nothing. Without Him, I am incomplete and life has no meaning. Because He was born, because He died, and because He lives today, I have hope and love and the promise that no matter what tomorrow may hold, my future is secure.

But there are so many who do not know Him.

For so many, this Christmas, the greatest gift of all is left unopened.

Deceived and fooled by the temporary pleasures of this world, people reject and push away their only hope for true happiness and eternal salvation. They reject the One who loves them more than anyone else, the One who will never leave them, the One who knew them before they were even born, the One who gave everything so that they might live.

My heart grieves for the lost today.

Family and friends.

Young and Old.

And those whose names I do not know.

My heart grieves for those who are deceived today.

Grieves for those who have accepted the lies as truth.

Grieves for those who have chosen the temporary in place of the eternal.

Grieves for those who are searching in all the wrong places and will never find what they are looking for.

Grieves for those who have left the greatest gift they will ever receive, unopened.

As one who loves to give gifts, I cannot imagine how Jesus must feel. It gives me so much joy in giving someone a present and watching them receive it, open it, and know that they truly love it! A gift that cost me a little time, money and effort. But to give your life, everything you have, and to be rejected. My heart breaks.

So today, I pray.

I pray for those who God has placed on my heart, those who I love and those who He loves even more. And I remain thankful for all that He has already done and all that He said He would do.

And though my heart is heavy, my soul sings.

Sings of His goodness and faithfulness.

Of His mercy and lovingkindness.

Of His Grace.

Thank you, Jesus, for all the gifts that You have given me.

Thank you for those you have called me to pray for and who will one day cry out to you and accept your gift of salvation.

Your love is amazing.

Praise the Lord, O my soul!