Merry Christmas from Hope against Hope!

The other day I was standing with some friends in the workroom at church, and they were listening to worship music on one of their phones. I was telling them a story about something I can’t even remember now, probably something that ended with a laugh at my expense because I’m known to be a dummy from time to time! Anyway, right in the middle of the story, “Seasons” by Hillsong came on. Within the first three notes, I paused and just started listening to the song instead of talking. I realized right then and there that there are still songs that no matter what I’m doing, where I am, or what’s going on, they just get me. They demand my attention. They force me to think about what they mean to me, and they encourage me to appreciate how good God is! He uses the little things in our lives to remind us of the monuments. I started tearing up and had to take a few seconds so I didn’t start crying full stop! Concerned, the friend that was playing the music asked me if I wanted her to change it. I told her, “Please don’t I love the song.” It was just unexpected.
I’ve been thinking about that moment for a few days now. I was reminded of the lyrics of that song, and how well they describe the emotions and the thoughts of someone that’s in a season of grief, pain, or waiting, but still trusting God to bring them through the winter.

“Like the frost on a rose
Winter comes for us all
Oh how nature acquaints us
With the nature of patience
Like a seed in the snow
I’ve been buried to grow
For Your promise is loyal
From seed to sequoia
I know
Though the winter is long even richer
The harvest it brings
Though my waiting prolongs even greater
Your promise for me like a seed
I believe that my season will come”

For someone that’s lost a loved one, the holidays can be the hardest time of the year. Maybe for you, this is the first Christmas that you’re experiencing without someone you love. If so, be encouraged. God will comfort you through this ‘winter’. He hasn’t forgotten about you. He will soothe your pain. He will heal your aching heart. In the future, He’ll use your story. It’s a seed now, but there will come a day when you’ll be able to talk about it and use it to help others going through a similar situation. That season will come.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4