Verna Bowman

Encouraging Women One Story at a Time

Psalm 27:13
  • Home
  • Welcome
  • About
  • Endorsements
  • Speaking Themes
  • My Books
  • Contact
  • Media
  • I Believe

On the Twelfth Day . . .

December 14, 2016 By Verna Bowman 10 Comments

Today, the twelfth day before Christmas is a reminder I’ve put off the other thirteen. Although, there’s a wreath on the door, greens on the porch rocker, and a small live tree the kids brought over and decorated to add a seasonal touch, it’s just not the usual . . .

Because it’s not the usual.

d36ce2f1a0d07afedd3dc7258f62b6e5Maybe you’re experiencing the same-not-the-usual, because for some it’s not the most wonderful time of the year.  And it has to be okay not to be merry when you’re grieving. Even though tis the season for shopping mall music, you may have noticed a silver-bell-and-city-sidewalk kind of smile on those who are just trying to get through the crowd to hide the sadness. Or haven’t you noticed?

I believe we can collectively sigh in agreement that so often we don’t.  Or maybe they’re only in my mall.

Everybody has a story at this time of year, one they want to remember and one they want to forget.  The one I don’t want to forget is the greatest story – the one of Jesus, not asleep on the hay, but breathing hope into a dark moment. Into a dark world.

When loss eclipses the merry, and it’s not the most wonderful time of the year – we can still be full of wonder, if we simply keep it sacred and adore.

So, for you and for me, may this be an un-usual Christmas Now even if it doesn’t resemble Christmas Past – and let it stop us in our advent tracks to shift our gaze as a child who sees the glitters of glory and shards of wonder within the broken pieces. Blessed Christmas.

For unto us a child is born . . . and he shall be called Everlasting.  Isaiah 9:6

 

 

Be blessed,
Verna

Share:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Tagged With: #Christmas wonder, Adore, Christmas, Hope, Isaiah 9:6

Comments

  1. Anita McElwee says

    December 14, 2016 at 7:29 am

    You speak to my heart.
    The heart holes are a struggle.

    Reply
    • Verna Bowman says

      December 14, 2016 at 8:10 am

      I know Anita – I know . . . praying the heart-holes are filled with wonder of His love. Love you!

      Reply
  2. Jane says

    December 14, 2016 at 7:57 am

    Some of us can’t find the Merry, not because of loss of a loved one, but because of brokenness in the family. I find the holidays bittersweet every year. The joy in knowing the Savoir came, is alive and on His throne battles with the brokenness and hurt this sin-stained world continues to throw my way. I want to celebrate Him, worship Him, teach my children to wonder at His love, yet the celebrating is never perfect, is it? It leaves me wondering at His love while pleading for His return.

    Reply
    • Verna Bowman says

      December 14, 2016 at 8:14 am

      I understand, Jane . . . brokenness in families is as much of a loss as death – it still ruptures life. The celebrating is never perfect for most of us but the One we celebrate is oh-so perfect – I will be praying for you and your family. And thank you so much for adding this sensitive comment.

      Reply
  3. Maureen Hager says

    December 14, 2016 at 10:00 am

    Verna, We had several family members die during the Christmas season. There was also brokenness in our family. But…this year we are rejoicing with unity in our family, a new baby on its way and a celebration to remember. Don’t loose hope – Jesus is able to bring His comfort and restoration. Blessings!

    Reply
    • Verna Bowman says

      December 14, 2016 at 9:04 pm

      Yes, Jesus is more than able . . . and does. Thank you, Maureen for your kind reminder of His comfort. May your family and holiday be blessed with these celebrations!

      Reply
  4. Carolyn Ruch says

    December 14, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    My, this reminds us all that we’re not alone. My heart is especially tender this year. Thank you, sweet truth teller, for the refocus.

    Reply
    • Verna Bowman says

      December 14, 2016 at 9:06 pm

      And so grateful we’re not alone, even in the heart-tender times,Carolyn . . . praying for you, dear friend!

      Reply
  5. Marlene Bagnull says

    December 14, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    As always, dear friend, your thoughts are beautifully and powerfully expressed.

    Reply
    • Verna Bowman says

      December 14, 2016 at 9:07 pm

      . . . and thank you for your strong encouragement and support, dear friend! Love you!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

His Word – My Hope

Whoever is wise let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning let him know them.  For the ways of the Lord are right and the righteous will walk in them.  But transgressors will stumble in them.  Hosea 14:9

 

About Verna

Verna Bowman
Crumbs Along the Broken Path
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Christian Communicators
Now Availablegathering-cover

Recent Post

Undying Love

February 2, 2019

Todays

January 11, 2019

Take a Silent Night

December 5, 2018

Walk in Gratitude

November 1, 2018

Rest for the Weary

October 6, 2018

Whatever . . .

August 23, 2018

Write Right Now

July 21, 2018

The Art of Rest

June 30, 2018

Shipwrecks and Snakebites

June 1, 2018

The Abiding Mom

May 7, 2018

More Posts

Mission statement: To encourage women to seek God and find wholeness through His healing Word.

Copyright © 2019 Verna Bowman

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.