Stressed? Sad? Worried? Overwhelmed? Lots of nods. Yes. Me, too. We want Christmas and the New Year to be good, to be happy, but sometimes it feels quite the opposite.     

It’s easy to become overwhelmed, and in desperation, feeling like giving it all up. 
 
 Yesterday was like that for me. News of increasing Covid, hospitalizations, and those close to me who have suffered recent loss and heartbreak. Then, learning about the hundreds of families who have lost their homes this week due to fires near my hometown. It was almost more than I could bear.   

 I’m a person of faith, but sometimes my mind doesn’t see the answers when they’re in front of me. But my heart knew I had a choice. I could continue to carry the burdens—or give them up.

     Yes. You read that correctly. Give them up.

     In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus provides the answer. He invites you in. “Come to me,” he says, “all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

     Jesus offers us His “yoke” to connect with Him, to let Him take the heavy burdens from us. If there’s an expert burden lifter, it’s Him. He died on the cross  to free us from the sins of this world.   

     His invitation stands. He is the Help, the Teacher, the Guide, the One who will carry you when you can't do it on your own. 
  
     Jesus is the goodness that came to save our fallen world, the Light that shines in the darkness.  

     As 2022 begins, be sure you've given up the burdens of 2021. Surrender them all. Be renewed through Jesus Christ. If you do not yet know Him, it's not too late. He eagerly waits for you to come to Him. He loves you--beyond measure.   

    Blessings for your New Year!


(photo courtesy of Vecteezy)

      The Light has come! 
     How we love the light, don't we? Especially this time of year as beautifully lit displays of Christmas lights brighten our homes and communities. Even a single candle brings light to the darkness. 
     The birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes Light--the Light that God sent into the world to save us from the darkness of sin. And what a great Light is Our Lord! 
     Numerous verses in the Bible show Jesus as the Light who has come--for us. The verse from John 8:12 is one example, when Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
     Check out the following verses for additional examples of Christ as our light and salvation: 1 John 1:5; John 12:36; John 8:12; John 1:4-9; Ephesians 5:8; Matthew 5:14; or Ephesians 5:8. And that's just a beginning of what God's Word, The Bible, has to say about Jesus as the Light who has come into the world to overcome the darkness.   
     Peace be with you, my friend, and may your Christmas--and each day thereafter--fill your heart with the light and love of Jesus Christ.