From Grief to Gratitude: Finding Joy in Unexpected Moments

A Sad Occasion that Resulted in JOY!

Wow, only three days before Christmas, or the day that Christ’s birthday is celebrated; which bring peace, and joy! Yet, there are many people who are sad at this time of year. This is why I am posting the final part of a family commemorating the tenth anniversary of our dearly beloved, who passed six days before Christmas.

The reason for this post is to encourage all those who are experiencing any kind of loss during this season, which was and is meant to bring JOY!

All of us have moments of sadness, disappointment, feeling discouraged, down, and out, and so on. I want to encourage you by penning a short message of Hope.

Why do we need hope?

Because from the beginning and end of Jesus’ life, the blessed hope has been there, but we need to accept what He did for us and have hope for the entire story of Christmas is about.

There are more reasons that one that we have hope despite death, other losses and whatever else may cause one not to have hope. I have been pondering in my heart for a couple of weeks that the best Christmas message I know is taken from the book of Isaiah, which gives hope.

So, as you read below:

Digest this blessed hope- For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given [past tense for us]; and the government will be upon His shoulder [future tense when Jesus rules and reigns].

And His name will be called Wonderful [Jesus, Jesus, Oh how wonderful You are], Counselor [who could ever be a  better and wise counselor than Jesus], 

Mighty God [Jesus became God in the flesh- angels adore Him, “What a Mighty God we serve, angels bow before Him, heaven and earth adore Him, what a mighty God we serve” the proof is in the Word: But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” (Hebrews 1:6).

Everlasting Father [Father of salvation], 

Prince of Peace [Jesus gives peace in the midst of storms]. Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39).

Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Jesus Christ is the reason for us to have hope. So, as we celebrate His birth, remember that was just the beginning, if He were just born only, salvation would not have been complete.

Take away: We united together, hugged and loved up on each other; my hope is that we continue what happened that day that could have been sad, but You O’ Lord God turned our weeping into Joy because those of us who are living still have hope. 

Something to ponder: Who knows who will be next? What can you do to bring hope to someone else? Family restoration? Reach out to a stranger? Show love to whoever you see in some kind of way!

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org