Monday, December 22, 2008

Sorrowful days... yet filled with Hope!

Two families that have been such a large part of my life have lost loved ones over the weekend. Somehow, it seems this shouldn't happen at Christmas, and yet I know God's timing is perfect. My heart is breaking for their losses, but knowing both of these people were believers and understood salvation allows us to grieve not as those who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 5:13 "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.") Hope has a name: Jesus. And if not for Christmas, we would not have that Hope. So, while we grieve and mourn our loss and temporary separation, we look forward to the reunion with hope that does not disappoint. (Romans 5:5 "and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.")




Welcome To Our World
by Chris Rice

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home

Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile fingers sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world



If you don't know this one, it's worth watching this and hearing the melody... hauntingly and simply beautiful.


9 comments:

  1. Oh Christi, what heartache for your friends. And your words are so true - we can have hope because Jesus came at Christmastime.

    I love the words to that song. Welcome to our world, indeed!

    Christmas blessings to you, dear friend,
    Lorrie

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  2. A death is sad at any time but especially at Christmas. May the Lord give His grace at this time.
    Blessings,
    Cheryl

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  3. Always sad to lose loved ones but especially at Christmas time.

    The video came up with a line to say that it is no longer available.

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  4. You ladies are the BEST!

    I wondered if anyone else is having the same problem as Barbara viewing the video? I just tested it, and it worked fine for me.

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  5. My heart goes out to you and your friends.

    The song was new for me, thanks for sharing it.

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  6. Hi Christi, I loved your beautiful tree from the below post....

    All the best to you at this holiday season...I hope you have a wonderful time with your family and friends.

    Ruth

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  7. I'm so sorry to hear of your losses, and understand the sorrow, and the hope. We have just lost my husband's sweet Mom (and my Mom for 40 years). But new hope is found in the birth one week later of our 5th grandchild.
    I pray for healing for you, and those who have had losses this season.

    Praises to our Lord and Saviour, who gives hope, and peace in the midst of life's sorrows.

    Barbara Jean

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