I rarely re-post, but I was looking for something else, and found this one from December 2013. It seems to me that it's still relevant [still trouble in Syria] That year I posted each Advent Sunday about my Willow Tree Angels.
‘Angel Of Courage’
This angel reminds me of the importance of the ministry of encouragement. The dictionary defines that word as “to inspire with hope, courage or confidence; to hearten."
I love this angel so much, because this is a pose I so frequently adopt myself. I throw my arms in the air, and shout “Hallelujah!” or “Yessss!!” or “We’ve done it!” or “Jesus, you’re amazing!” or “It’s finished!” [sometimes my fists clenched purposefully, other times, hands open, fingers pointing heavenwards]
I walk through the busy streets, and see the people hurrying along, getting ready for Christmas – many look harassed, fraught, anxious, worrying about whether they should spend their money on all this stuff, whether they can pay off the Credit Card bill. Others are struggling to carry loads of bags [probably full of inappropriate, overpriced gifts, many of which will be forgotten very quickly.] In the shop, the lady behind me in the queue is talking about a family member who has been diagnosed with major illness, and a neighbour recently bereaved. At the bus stop, they are discussing what will happen to their jobs next year, and how yet another local firm has gone into receivership, and how they will struggle to meet the mortgage payment in January.
And I want to encourage each one of them, and say “Christmas is not about giving stuff from Argos and Tesco and M&S…it’s about receiving hope. Not about feeling a failure because you cannot provide all the material things that the ads imply you must have if you are a ‘perfect’ family, it’s about triumphing gratefully in the many blessings you have been given. Love, friendship, home, family, friends, food and clothes. Not about being anxious about the things that might [or might not] happen in the New Year, it’s about receiving courage to face what lies ahead.”
I have no idea what your situation is, what you are facing right now – or what you will be facing in the year ahead. But be encouraged, because Christmas reminds us that the Son of God became man, he lived and died – and rose again – for us. Immanuel – God with us. And He will walk with us through every day of our lives - to give us hope, and inspiration and courage.
I'm not perfect – I have ‘wobbly moments’ [usually around 4am] when I start stressing about things [great and small ]…the lack of Supply Teaching Income, two daughters living 100 miles away, the many tasks I have ‘left undone’, the odd socks lurking in the bottom of the laundry basket forever seeking their mates, the latest proclamation from Mr Gove, my inability to make gravy, the troubles in Syria…but then God’s gracious Spirit reminds me that He is there and He does care. And then I throw up my arms and shout “Hallelujah! Thank you Lord!” and I get on with my day [unless it is actually 4am, in which case I stay very still and rejoice silently, in case I wake my beloved ]
Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go
Oh Angela, this is such an encouraging post(no irony /sarcasm intended). It is just what I needed to read this morning as my worries and fears begin to creep up on me. Thank you! Penny Lxxx
ReplyDelete❤️👍🙏
DeleteI needed to read this today... thank you.
ReplyDeleteLesley in Livingston
🙏👍❤️
DeleteMe too.
ReplyDelete👍🙏❤️
DeleteTriumphant spirit.That resonated with me today.Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJane x
🙏👍❤️ hope all good with you both in Canada
DeleteSuch true words! I went to a garden centre yesterday that has decided to put together a wish tree for Santa. There were hundreds of tags with the usual, I want, I want, I want - all costly and technology gifts, but one struck me, it said "Dear Santa, I wish to have a year where I am cancer free". I do hope they get their wish xx
ReplyDeleteAmen to that 🙏👍❤️
DeleteSuch a good post-I needed this on a cold icy Sunday! Thank you!
ReplyDelete❤️🙏👍
DeleteI want to remember to be generous when I have opportunities to give courage just as you have today, Ang.
ReplyDelete🙏❤️👍you are always a generous woman, PP
DeleteYou are a blessing dear Angela. What a wonderful, encouraging post!x
ReplyDelete👍❤️🙏
DeleteVery well said, Ang xxx
ReplyDelete❤️👍🙏
DeleteHere's another Advent post for my fridge door. Just as well there are only four weeks! This could possibly be my favourite TR to date.
ReplyDeleteI've just realised that the 2013 comments have posted along with the 2024 ones! Oops 😉
DeleteAgree with all the other posts. Really worth 're-posting Angela, thank you x
ReplyDelete🙏👍❤️
DeleteThank you, your thoughts and encouragement of this are needed at this time. Regards Sue H
ReplyDelete❤️👍🙏
DeleteThis is a post that is well worth revisiting and thank you for sharing it. People find my attitude to gifts really strange-Norrie and I will exchange no tangible gifts on Christmas Day but will be thankful that we have each other’s love and care. Our donations to charity will hopefully ease the festive season for some people by providing food and a warm space when they have no home. I’m very moved by today’s post, Ang, and am now going to read it again. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThank you C. We exchange small gifts to each other, but try to be extra generous with charitable gifts too
DeleteThank you. Words I needed to hear
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Anon 🙏😉👍
DeleteSome posts just really need to be repeated and this is one of those. Wise words, and so encouraging. xx
ReplyDelete👍😉🙏❤️
DeleteThank you for reposting, Angela. It is such a good reminder.
ReplyDeleteThank you , apologies for reposting your comment from 11 years ago, I wasn't checking the dates diligently and didn't realise they'd re appear!! ❤️🙏😉
DeleteThank you for this joyful and uplifting post. Its very true we don't need all this 'stuff' that shops thrust at us, we just need love, our family and friends and good health, everything else is a bonus. Hugs Xx
ReplyDelete❤️👍
Delete"Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go"
ReplyDeleteAmen.
🙏😉
DeleteI was interested to learn that you sometimes have "wobbly moments" in the night. I have been plagued with them lately and usually end up going downstairs and reading my bible for a bit of common sense! (I may sometimes snack as well) : )
ReplyDeleteSomeone [possibly Tolstoy?] said that 'in the dark night of the soul it is always 4am:' I think that lying awake in the darkness, we can feel very alone and vulnerable to negative thoughts. Your suggestion of Bible reading (plus a cuppa and a biscuit) is a good one. I find that praying, or maybe 5hinking of memorised hymns or bible verse) s helps (seethe comment from Bless
DeleteBeautiful, Angela! Very encouraging! Have a blessed Christmas!
ReplyDeleteYou too Terri! I hope your son has found a new job
DeleteNot yet! Praying that he can find something soon.
DeleteThe prayer at the end is one you sent me, 9 years ago, when I was having my cancer treatments; I still read it, daily.
ReplyDeleteThat is so encouraging to read Bless. I am glad you are keeping well now ❤️🙏❤️
ReplyDeleteHow did you manage to post this as a current pos as well as an old one!?!?!?!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest not entirely sure how I did it. I opened the original post in edit, and saved it, then changed the date and title and made a few tweaks and then published that. But i never realised the comments from 2013 would appear on this week's post
DeleteP.S. A relevant post!!! Interestingly and coincidentally, I sort of summarised this post in my very short Christmas talks for our carol services yesterday!
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely
Delete