Christmas Paths
Christmas is marked by many things, but people are central to them all. The gatherings, the happy traditions, the cozy festivities, the thoughtful giftings — they’d mean nothing without the people we share them with. Which makes the loss of them even greater this time of year!
While pain and heartache and loneliness are inevitable and unfortunate realities in our world, we’ve been built for connection with people. We are drawn by and into each other’s stories. We see things we can identify with, we are entertained by the differences, but usually we find inspiration and encouragement, beauty and hope in each other.
Because at the heart of all the stories is the Author of Life, reflecting His glory in the faces of His people. Sharing our lives with you and you doing the same, opens up this beautiful gift of seeing God with us. Isolation may taunt us with being a warmer alternative to the icy grip of people-hurt, but when connection is embedded in our beings, we can’t escape the need and longing. We will never have a sense of belonging or being known without braving the stormy relationships in our midst or approaching the estranged around us. These connections open us to seeing more of Him.
I don’t know whose path God wants to cross with yours or even why He would, but the paths find meaning and fullness when shared; and often we are given much more than we ever expected. In this holiday season, we want you to know we are grateful God crossed our paths. Walking with you has made the journey sweeter. Our heart is to walk with and connect with you, even when you are unable to come through our gates.
Wherever you are in your journey this season, may you find your story mingling joyfully with someone else’s. May God bless your holiday season with a personal gift of His love in unexpected places. (His specialty!)
Photography | Cassi, from a winter past
