Repeat the Sounding Joy!

So, it's December 26th. Currently, I find myself sipping some coffee from our new coffee maker, while watching TV, flipping between Bar Rescue and Eurtotrip. I feel awash with contentment right now. This past week has been fantastic! I started a new job, and its the week of Christmas. When you couple that with a week of getting together with family and friends, that's a pretty good recipe for a happy James. 2015's conclusion is looking a lot better than it's commencement.

2015 has been a whirlwind for my family and I. A few days into the new year I lost my job. Then I spent the next few months jobless and worried. I must give props to my beautiful, caring, and supportive wife. She was so gracious through that season of our life. Even she felt the effects of 2015. She has had to deal with health issues for the majority of the year. While all of this is going on, we are in the process of transitioning from one ministry to another. God was leading us to leave the ministry we were a part of for 5+ years, to start a completely new ministry. It was a exciting time but it was also terrifying, in some aspects.

I say these things because there can be a build-up around Christmas-time. We hope maybe, just maybe, all of my problems, worries, and fears will be taken care of during this magical time of year. That is why this day, December 26th, can be the litmus test for all of our ails. So, where are you at today? I mean that more metaphorical than literal. Did Christmas bring what you hoped for? Here's what I was able to take away from this Christmas: I am blessed!

"Blessed," is not a word I like to throw around (it's a weird quark of mine). In my opinion, when used loosely, being blessed is cheapened. Because with all of the problems you, or I, may have, WE ARE BLESSED. If I never receive a present, I have the greatest gift. REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY! God loved us enough to send His son, a manifest representation of Himself. I in no way want to sound arrogant. I realize that some awesome things have happened to me and my family. However, even if you take away the gifts, I am still blessed beyond measure. That is something that I have to be reminded of. This is the time where some of the greatest worship experiences can happen. No music, no lighting, no sound system, no worship leaders. Just me standing around contemplating that I am so very small and God is so very big.

No matter where you find yourself today, know that you are loved and you are worth fighting for. God proved that one night, long ago, at a stable in Bethlehem.