This God-to-us Season {And a Christmas Giveaway!}
As I approach Christmas, I can feel that there is—inherently—a sense of longing that swells this season, especially having lost my child on this earth. I have a biblical longing for all to be made right, for the gap between this world and the next to be gone, for the righteous King of all to return—not as a baby this time, but as the One coming on the clouds carrying all victory over sin and death. The reality that this world is missing what I most desire is all the more pronounced through my unique, acute, and raw awareness of how empty this life can feel.
And yet—do you feel the rush of this season too? I don’t mean the rush of mall visits or meal preparations while Christmas music fills the chilled air. I mean the urgency that the Apostle Peter writes of when He says that “the end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7). Though I wait for Christ to return, I am also in a season of history when much has already happened on God’s calendar for this world. The Suffering Servant has come, has paid for the sins of those who believe in Him, and has all power and authority to usher believers into sweet and glorious perfection. His return is coming, and He could come at any moment. That is why the Apostle Peter writes for his readers to be alert and clear-minded so that they can pray while investing themselves in the coming kingdom instead of placing hope in this one (1 Peter 4:7). He is coming!
Now that I have a daughter, Noelle, in heaven, Christmastime surfaces a mix of themes for me on this earth, including waiting for active relationship with with my daughter, joy because she has joy, and peace through sharing a great Redeemer with her. Yet, Christmas itself has the same meaning as ever, though I understanding its implications, personally, even better after loss. The Lord of glory becoming man. The God-Man born for me. The One who sought me and saved me, incarnate. The Baby who was born to die. The greatest gift I have ever received. The Lord of all existing in a humble state. The Master of all creation with love in His eyes for my very soul.
My hope. And I rely on Him more now than ever.
As you continue, create, or even take a pause from our traditions for Christmas this year—traditions that are especially poignant to hearts that have lost dear treasures of people who would otherwise be here in all the festivities with us right now—remember that God came with a plan to be the hope of your life. He has not taken His eyes off of you for a moment, and He will be returning again. Be truly blessed, even in the pain, as you remember the Lord of Christmas who upholds you and draws your longing heart near, who gives you peace by way of Himself.
In celebration of this hope, this God-to-us season, enter the giveaway below! Generous shops have donated to a Christmas, hope-themed giveaway collection this year. Three winners will be randomly selected, and the three items we have to give away are: an “A thrill of Hope” pillow, a hope feather sign, and a hope anchor necklace (see items below).
Entry details:
To enter the giveaway, simply comment on this blog post.
Only comments on the blog post (not on social media accounts) will be counted as giveaway entries. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning, at which time the giveaway will be closed. This giveaway ships to the continental US.
**UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Reagan Martinez-Ramos has won the “A thrill of Hope” pillow, Krisann Watson has won the Hope feather sign, and Katie Tokarsky has won the gold Hope anchor necklace. Please watch for an email, Reagan, Krisann, and Katie. Thank you to all who reached out to enter the giveaway; I pray each of you have a hope-filled Christmas.
“A thrill of Hope” pillow
Hope feather sign
Hope anchor necklace (gold)
Christmas giveaway donations are from these shops. Thank you!
At Sweet Hooligans Design we love creating items that give our customers the ability to give a unique gift, to preserve a memory, or to simply recreate the look of their home. If you don’t find something that speaks to you, custom orders are welcomed.
I am a young creative who makes unique, meaningful wall art, custom-made, just for you!
Dainty • Personalized • Handmade • P r e t t y. L i t t l e. T h i n g s. • Handcrafted in Chicago | Morse Code Bracelets, Rose Gold, Gold Initial Jewelry.
- Lianna
Hope Mom to Noelle
Lianna is wed to Tyler and mother of two girls, one who lives in heaven and one who lives on earth. First and foremost, she is a vessel of mercy belonging to her Lord. She enjoys spending time with family, being a church member, studying, and taking photographs. You can find her serving with Hope Mommies as Content Director and writing at lovely Sovereign.
Are you a writer who would like to join the blog team? Learn more and apply here.
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Hannah
December 7, 2017 (7:42 am)
Thank you so much for your ministry to moms who have suffered loss. We lost our first son – Sam Azrial in October 2008, and we didn’t know where to turn. God has since been doing healing work in our hearts and our loss has been such an opportunity to minister to others who have also struggled in this way. Thank you for meeting this need of so many mother’s hearts!
Misti Carter
December 7, 2017 (7:42 am)
Thank you HM for your biblical beautiful messages!
Reagan Martinez-Ramos
December 7, 2017 (7:58 am)
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Thank you for this encouragement.
Kristen
December 7, 2017 (7:59 am)
These are so lovely! That line from O Holy Night has become my absolute favorite. Since my son passed shortly before Christmas 3 years ago, I feel like celebrating the holiday “normally” is a way of especially celebrating the hope of Christ.
Janna
December 7, 2017 (7:59 am)
Amen. Come Lord Jesus!
Trish kenney
December 7, 2017 (8:09 am)
Hoping that hope mommy Emily Crase will win a giveaway
Krisann Watson
December 7, 2017 (8:14 am)
Beautiful!! 💜
Kim Camargo
December 7, 2017 (10:00 am)
Beautiful 💙
Lindsay
December 7, 2017 (10:04 am)
Thanks for this encouragement. We are remembering our Rebecca Joy this Christmas. (November 2, 2017-November 3, 2017)
Kelly Evey
December 7, 2017 (10:06 am)
Thank you for your wonderful message and words of encouragement. We recently lost our son in September. This season has been different, especially knowing I was so supposed to be big and uncomfortable as we got closer to his due date. But knowing he is with Jesus is so comforting. It’s been a blessing coming across the Hope Mommies page and seeing how the Lord has worked in each one who has lost their babies.
Brittany
December 7, 2017 (10:10 am)
Thank you for this. It was a needed read today.
Anna Joy
December 7, 2017 (10:22 am)
My sister Hannah tagged me on this, and I am so glad she did! Thank you for choosing to be a vessel of His love.
We have now lost 5 babies this year, and our Mara would have been due about Christmas. We’ve watched God use this brokenness for beauty, and we expect and hope for more of that. We know He is good and sovereign. I love that line so much “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices”…I actually just started a blog post about being weary, but filled with hope.
God bless you and your family!
Carrie
December 7, 2017 (10:33 am)
Thank you for sharing this! Such an encouragement!
Katie
December 7, 2017 (11:04 am)
This is my first Christmas as a Hope Mom and I love coming here to read uplifting and encouraging messages. So thankful for His promise and that I will get to hold my little girl again someday ❤️
Jeannette Castilleja Valera
December 7, 2017 (11:26 am)
During this time, I am longing for my son. I sort of feel lost eventhough I know my way. All I can do is pray.
Maria
December 7, 2017 (11:43 am)
Thank you Hope Mommies!
Ebone Humes
December 7, 2017 (12:29 pm)
There’s so much peace in the pause!
Katie Tokarsky
December 7, 2017 (2:05 pm)
As we anticipate our Hope Baby Emmanuel’s 3rd Heavenly Birthday on December 23rd, we trust in the One and only true Prince of Peace.
Kelly Fay
December 10, 2017 (12:02 am)
So happy you won the anchor necklace, Katie. It seems so fitting at this time of year, as you mark Emmanuel’s birth and the birth of the Holy Emmanuel, God with us. He has not forgotten you!
Kathy Palmer
December 7, 2017 (2:18 pm)
Beautifully said. Would love to win!
Jen Wursten
December 7, 2017 (3:59 pm)
Thank you, Hope Moms!
Anne K
December 7, 2017 (11:11 pm)
I love this message of hoping for the true kingdom we were made for! Eagerly awaiting the day I can finally be where I belong.
Amanda
December 8, 2017 (12:13 am)
As a new Hope Mommy facing my first Christmas without our baby girl I appreciate this timely word.
Julee
December 8, 2017 (5:35 am)
Thank you!