24 December, 2008

This is Christmas.

On my desktop I have a picture of Gavin and I. This morning, Christmas Eve, looking into his beautiful green eyes, shook my Christmas euphoria viciously. Not in a "Waaaaaaa! I miss my brother" kind of way, but in a "Gosh, Christmas isn't going to be great for everyone this year" kind of way. And the bitter realization that some out there are suffering deep, abiding pain was more than I could bear. Some may be suffering the loss of a loved one, some are facing intense financial struggles, perhaps a home is plagued with divorce or the news of a sick or dying family member, perhaps there's a heart out there that is intensely lonely and doesn't want to go on any longer or a heart plagued with guilt that doesn't know where (or to whom) to turn for relief.

To each of you, I am deeply sorry.

I think it is important to recognize and acknowledge that there are a million ways Christmas can magnify all the pain of mortality, but it is equally important to remember that there is one that offers each and every heart, no matter the pain, reason to rejoice.



Because of Jesus Christ, I will walk with my brother again. Because of Jesus Christ, a devastated heart can be comforted. Because of Jesus Christ, a broken life can be repaired. Because of Jesus Christ the sick, whether in life or in death, can be made whole. Because of Jesus Christ we can weather- WITH JOY - the trials of this mortal life and live with God in peace once again.

So celebrate with me the day of His birth,
for THIS is Christmas.
And to you and yours, Merry Christmas.
May your hearts be filled with, hope, joy and so much love!

xoxo,

Natalie


13 comments:

Sarah Cardenas said...

amen, sister! :) i've been following your blog for a few weeks and have enjoyed all your posts! thanks so much for the inspiration and may the Lord give you His peace this Christmas!

Anonymous said...

I'm a long time blog stalker who never really comments.

Thank you Natalie. This is such a good reminder for me this year.

Natalie Hill said...

beautifully written.

thanks, nat

Amber Shumake said...

Oh, thank you Natalie. This was just beautiful, nearly brought me to tears. Merry Christmas and new year! God bless you and your family,
Amber

Anonymous said...

I'm another longtime reader and fan of your site. I look forward to clicking every time your site name comes up in my RSS.

Christmas can be bitter sweet for so many people. But the promise of the Christ child coming to redeem the church can turn even the most difficult of pains to hope.

Thanks for all of your contributions to the photoblogosphere. May God Bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you and give you peace.

Bob Redding
www.selectedpixels.com

Anonymous said...

well said natalie, thanks for sharing that.

Jody said...

Nat,
Thanks for your words of encouragement this am. Had a big argument with my daughter yesterday that ended with "If you don't do so and so you will Never speak to me or see your grandchildren or future grandchildren again."
I said "Goodbye" then hung up and lost it.
I Know God is in control. But sometimes...well I forget. Keep me in your prayers. And may you have a blessed Christmas day!

*sorry for the vent =)*

Anonymous said...

You said this beautifully, Natalie -- a wonderful reminder for us all, in all our seasons of this life. Thank you so very much for being exactly who you are. I love you -- Merry Christmas!

Sara said...

Now THAT was a beautiful post. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
May the blessings of Christ's Atonement be forever in your lives.

ANGEL said...

You are so right! We feel the same. Our family can relate to some of the challenges you mentioned, hitting hard at Christmas, yet we feel so much hope, love and peace in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thanks for sharing a piece of your immense spirit!

Karen Long said...

Wow, Nat... wonderful post.

To Jody... I pray that you will let Him guide your future conversations with your Mom... I don't(and don't need to) know what's going on, but HE does... take it to Him in prayer.

Anonymous said...

very thoughtful post Nat.

Anonymous said...

I have just recently found your blog and although this blog post is dated - I absolutely love it. And just to reiterate what you said - Without Jesus Christ (our immortal Savior) we (as mortal human beings) are nothing. May God bless you and your family today and through out the rest of the year! ~ Meghan (a resident of the great state of georgia)