Merry Christmas

Dear friends,

I woke up today to one of my favorite things! Overnight we got about two inches of heavy, wet snow; not a lot by Michigan standards but enough to shut down most southern cities. Most people think I’m crazy, they don’t like the cold or snowy roads, snow is only good for skiing. But I love it! I think it’s beautiful the way it sticks to the trees, especially the evergreens. I love the way it muffles the sounds in the woods when I’m out on the trail (hopefully later today!). 

And I love the way it covers the ugly. 

That’s something that really resonates with me right now.  This has been a particularly challenging and difficult year for Lori and me. We’ve faced misunderstanding and false accusations, insecurities about our future, feelings of abandonment and doubt. At times it’s been ugly, painful, bewildering. But over the last few days, as I’ve reflected on this Advent season and the arrival of the promised Messiah, I’m again reminded how his grace and justice cover all the ugly. More than that, he redeems and renews it turning ashes into beauty. 

In a few days the temperature is supposed to be in the fifties. All the snow will melt revealing the mess that it covered. That’s the difference between the picture out my window and the Gospel. God sent his son, not just to cover the sin and pain of this world, but to walk through it with us. He is Immanuel! None of us would choose to go through difficult times, but as I look back at this journey I thank God for his presence through it all and for his perspective to see how he’s using it in our lives. 

Lori and I are praying that this Christmas Day you will know God’s grace and presence and how much he loves you!

Grateful for you,

Jimmy and Lori