HOPE IN TINY PACKAGES

Before leaving "Scrooge", we would be remiss if we missed "Tiny Tim".  Poor Tim surrounded by a family of siblings all hearty and hale, doomed to hobbling around via crutch, and the distinct possibility of a shortened life hanging over his head.  Somehow Tim rises above all the circumstances in his life, embraces the love showered on him by his entire family, and maintains hope in the midst of living on Despair Street.  Tiny Tim gives us all a lesson in how to live our lives.



The Ghost from Christmas Future gives us a glimpse of the dire consequences of Tim's illness if left untreated.  And yet, Tim does not hang his head, take to his bed, and wait for the end.  Tim lives life---lives life to the fullest with the best of attitudes.  Tim is a fighter and  Tim shows us how to end well--by living as if there will be no end.  He harbors no malice, spends no time moaning over the hand life has dealt him.  Instead he savors the love of his family and lives in the present.  

Christmas is not a joyful celebration for some.  Christmas is a reminder of those who are not present in the circle of loved ones.  Christmas can be a test of endurance in the midst of great pain. Tim's chair was empty when the Ghost of the Future showed Scrooge what was to come.  Many have empty chairs at their Christmas table this year.

The question becomes what would those who have left expect of us?  Would they desire for us to forget the joy and the reason for the celebration?  How can we celebrate in the depths of grief?

There is only one answer--JESUS.  Jesus will comfort you.  Your loved one is sitting in the presence of Jesus as you mourn your loss.  Jesus has a plan and no the plan does not look anything like you thought it should.  That is where faith enters the equation.  Can we remember the blessing of our loved ones, and celebrate the joy of knowing where they are?  Can we emulate Tiny Tim and live in the moment with love and goodwill for all mankind?  Is there not a lesson in the character of Tiny Tim for us all?

  In the midst of the worst life can throw our way, we can still hold on to the joy of hope.  Jesus brought us hope that first Christmas night.  Clinging to that hope in the midst of sorrow and trials allows us to remember the great gift we were given by the birth of The Lamb.  There is always some reason for joy--some cause for a smile--some tender morsel of comfort in sweet memories.  When opened- the tiny package containing hope will burst forth and multiple into joy--the joy of Jesus.


57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
Luke 15:57

4 comments

  1. I wish you had a LIKE button, smiles...BEAUTIFUL Lulu, beautiful.

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  2. Hi Lulu! I was just talking to a friend of mine last night who told me "I hate the holidays." Her family is dysfunctional on a good day, and so the holidays just seem to bring out the worst in her siblings.
    As you said, Christmas is not a joyful celebration for some. Some don't have family at all, some wish they had different family members. What can I say that would help? Only that we are Christ's hands and feet, and we are supposed to be each other's families. I hope that every person who feels alone or challenged this season has someone who will give a hug, and maybe even a plate of cookies.
    Wishing you hugs and cookies this Christmas season. And know that you are greatly valued in the blog-world too,
    Ceil

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    1. Bless you, Ceil, for always having a beautiful word!
      Blessings!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!