The tears flow freely.
The Christmas cards hanging in the frame on my wall — proclaiming the usual Peace on Earth and Good Cheer — are having the opposite effect on me in this moment.
My eyes stop for a moment on each image that represents a relationship we value — family and friends from near and far, old and new.
I consider the stories that are hidden behind those happy pictures.
This is the family who lost their father suddenly this year. Here is the friend who is battling brain cancer. There is the family who has been struggling through infertility and miscarriage. This family suffered deep personal loss this year in quiet, behind the scenes.
Then I consider the previous week when I held onto a friend as she wept over the sudden loss of her mom. I remember the sweet girl at church whose neck I hugged last Sunday — the one who is only 18 and experienced the same tragic loss last year.
Truth be told, some of these tears are spilled for myself. I have felt loss this year too.
I have been reminded of my brokenness as a mom, wife, woman more times than I care to admit. I have wrestled with fear and pain and sadness.
As the tears drip down my face, I am suddenly and painfully aware of the truth behind those cards declaring how Happy these Holidays should be.
In this broken world in which we live, the promises of happiness and joy that the holidays claim to offer can feel as hollow as false advertising. Tokens of good cheer in the form of traditions and shiny gifts instead serve as painful reminders that things are not as they should be; that there is a gaping hole felt that a person or health or peace of mind once filled.
Amidst my tears, I am reminded of a gathering in our home earlier in the week. Dear friends who pour out their lives with us in ministry gathered around our piano and poured out their hearts in song. An unspoken reminder of battles fought this year in the forms of cancer, family illness, and heartache filled the room as we lifted our voices honoring this Baby King who entered into our brokenness to become Emmanuel — God with us, revealed in us.
Together, we rejoiced in this thrill of hope offered to our weary hearts.
Our voices joined in harmony, wrapping our wounded humanity like a soft knit blanket — the unspoken pain enveloped in a Savior’s love.
I glance back up at the cards and the smiling faces, and I wonder:
What if we are missing the whole point? There is no promise of health or good will or happiness that will not someday seep through those broken gaping holes, leaving a void not filled by any vestige of good cheer.
But perhaps it is those empty spaces that make room for Emmanuel to dwell?
Perhaps the One who stepped out of eternity to be birthed into a dirty, hidden manger is the God who is still filling our hidden, empty, rugged places today?
Perhaps the promise of Christmas joy is not found in the shiny, pretty, happy things but in the feeding troughs and the broken hearts that prepare Him room.
Suddenly, these tears don’t seem so out of place at Christmas. Welcome, Emmanuel. Make your home with us.
Leave a Comment
Jacinta says
Amen. This is so beautiful and heartfelt. Christmas is all about making Him room. What a good reminder!
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Jacinta. May He fill our empty spaces today.
Julie says
Kaley,
Your words of TRUTH filled my heart with warmth and love this morning. Just loosing 2 close friends
and watching the spouses go through this season in their new “normal” as widows as been difficult
and brings memories of watching my mom after my Dad was killed suddenly……the only ONE to fill
those empty, hurting places is Jesus who because of His great love for us came as a baby, only to be
offered up, willingly, as the ultimate sacrifice for our sin.
Thank you for using your gifts to gift us with this timely message.
Julie
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Kaley,
This is beautiful! Yes, we celebrate Jesus’ coming with joy…but I think we’ve forgotten that the joy is about Jesus – not about presents or perfectly set tables. I agree that the gaping holes in our hearts are all about Jesus too. What if we are missing the point – that Christmas is about God giving God (as Ann Voskamp would say) so that we would have a comforter to be with us in this imperfect world. What if the joy is not freedom from pain but comfort and love (Emmanuel) through the pain. May we/I not be afraid to share my humanity with the world so that the world can see just who my Savior is…awesome post!
Advent blessings,
Bev xx
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Bev. Knowing Christ understands my humanity gives me courage when I struggle sharing mine with the world. Advent blessings to you as well, friend.
Mary Hood says
This is so beautiful and makes Christmas so much more real. I don’t know anyone who is not suffering something or feeling loss. That is the whole reason for Christ’s coming. That He might fill us! Thank you for sharing this.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Mary. “God with us” are some of the most beautiful words in the Bible.
Adria says
What a beautiful story that is so true for many people. Everyone has or will have a loss or unhappy experience in their lives and will experience this feeling of hurt during this time of year. Thank you for sharing and touching my heart.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Adria. It’s always good to know that we are not alone.
Crystal Twaddell says
Kaley, this is the heart of Christmas, and it is beautiful! That our Savior came down to shed light in all of our dark places and infuse our hearts…our lives…our future with hope. I think there is a part of Christmas that hurts for all of us because none are untouched by loss, and I’m so grateful for the comfort and quiet peace God offers through this dwelling in our empty spaces. Thank you!!
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
“infuse our hearts…our lives…our future with hope.” Love those words. Thank you for sharing, Crystal.
Corena Hall says
He indeed fills the spaces of this heart that faces rejection and misunderstanding and caused by human fear, isolation, caused by human limitations on inclusion being left out. But He came to earth as a human to show us by example how to live filled when empty, to live joyfully in the face of rejection and how to reach others in our own isolation and be His skin to the ones left out. Circumstances can define great outcomes if they are ignored in favor of the One in control of ALL, God Almighty!
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Yes, Corena. So thankful that He is God with us, revealed in us and we have His earthly example. Blessings.
Donna says
Thank you Corena for stating so beautifully, so honest and truthfully, so well….. just all I have and still am experiencing….rejection, misunderstanding, isolation, loneliness….but looking unto Jesus to heal and fill those empty places with His love, His forgiveness, His mercy, His compassion, His Presence!
Blessings of joy and peace to you as we worship Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Susan Shipe says
Lovely.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Susan.
Michele Morin says
Thank you for finding a way to express your welcome of Emmanuel, even in the midst of pain.
“Let every heart prepare Him room.”
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Michele. Blessings to you.
Chris says
Oh my! Your words poured peace over my heart this morning! Thank you. I lost my precious mom three months ago and Christmas preparations are filled with so many memories—happy and joyful and in the next heartbeat, my eyes are filled with tears as I miss her voice, her smile and her soft cheeks. Abba has been more real and present than ever!! I’m thankful for all you shared today!!
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Chris. May you experience Emmanuel in very tangible ways this Christmas season. Blessings to you, friend.
Penny says
Chris,
I understand….and I am sorry for the loss of your Mother. I hope that through your pain, and sorrow, joy of her memrory will once again shine through.
I pray you have a blessed Christmas,
Penny
Beth Williams says
Chris,
So sorry for the loss of your beloved mom. Losing someone is never easy, especially around the holidays. May God surround you with His loving arms and spill His grace & peace into your heart and soul! Praying for peace to comfort you this Christmas. May Emmanuel dwell with and in you always!
(((((hugs)))))
Gail Noe says
Well said! Indeed, our Lord Jesus did come to save us from those hurts, pains and diseases. As we give Him those places we cannot handle, those places of hurt and loss He will fill them with His love, His comfort, His peace and His Word!!!!!
Julie says
Well said, Gail. And it’s the TRUTH.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Gail. It is those places of hurt and loss where I understand His love for me in the deepest, most personal ways as he fills them with His presence.
Barbara says
Kaley, thank you for your honest words and reminding me Immanuel is in the broken places. That is the hope I cling to, and what keeps me going. I often forget that He is my hope and I spiral to the depths. Thank you for sharing truth. Blessings on you.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
You are not alone, Barbara. May His presence continue to meet you in those broken places and fill you with Hope. Blessings to you, friend.
Barbara says
Thank you!
Pam Pickle says
We recently lost our son. Friends have filled us with Jesus love – a thank you –
emp·ty
ˈem(p)tē/
adjective
1. containing nothing; not filled or occupied.
E – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4
M – my Shepherd – the Lord is my shepherd Psalm 23:1
P – precious. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, Isaiah 43.
T – Through. When you pass Through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. – Isaiah 43:2
Y – You. I have called you by name and you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
You came to us when we were empty in our darkest hour and filled our emptiness with prayers, love, support, compassion, tenderness. You will never know how much what you have done for us means to us. You have held our wounded hearts and continue to pray us through these minutes, hours, and days.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Pam, this truly made me teary eyed. I am so sorry for your loss. These verses are such a perfect picture of who Emmanuel is. I pray that you continue to experience His presence in deeply profound ways. Blessings to you, friend.
Penny says
Pam,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your son. What a selfless gift to those you wrote this poem for.
I pray that each day becomes a bit brighter for you.
Blessings you, and your family,
Penny
Beth Williams says
Pam,
Sweet sister I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved son. Praying for peace to fill your heart and soul this Christmas. Thankful God sent wonderful friends to help comfort you. May you feel Emmanuel in your heart and soul this Christmas!!
I love the poem!!
(((((hugs)))))
Barbara says
Pam, what an amazing attitude! May God richly cover you and your family with the comfort only He can provide. I cannot even imagine your pain. What a wonderful mnemonic! Thank you for sharing.
Kristi says
Beautiful. Thank you. I look forward to pondering all of this with God over the next couple days. Thank you for sharing.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Blessings to you as you ponder, Kristi.
Penny says
Kaley thank-you for sharing your heartfelt words,
“God with Us”, how comforting to hear.
Just last night I stood on the deck thinking while in wonderment of the full moon, and then there it was, a shooting star. It reminded me how near to us He is, and that you don’t have to reach far.
Have a blessed day,
Penny
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
I love that you were paying attention enough to glimpse a shooting star, Penny. May we all slow down and pay attention. Blessings.
Beverly Glotzbach says
Thank you for sharing this.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Blessing to you, Beverly.
M says
My husband lost his job two weeks ago. Trying to get another job is very tough right now since it’s so close to Christmas. We are a one income family with our two littles. I never, ever thought we’d be applying for government assistance a week before Christmas. But, this is our reality. It’s been humbling and a huge reminder to put our hope in the Lord who promises to provide, who we will never lose.
Beth Williams says
M,
Sweet sister praying for God’s peace and comfort to come into your soul and heart this Christmas. May He guide your husband to the right job quickly! May hope reign in your lives this Christmas. Jesus is the hope we seek and need. Praying for you all in this time of stress and worry! May God bless you all now and always!
(((((hugs)))))
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Blessings to you, friend. May Emmanuel fill those empty spaces in the most profound of ways this Christmas season and meet your every need.
Rebecca L Jones says
If people don’t know Jesus, they don’t understand Christmas. I heard that whatever you see Him as is what he is to you, if you only see Him as a baby in a manger, then He’s just a cute card. But if you know He died to set you free and was born to do so, His swaddling clothes and stone manger, ( real ones are ) a type of tomb. Then He means everything to you, I know He does to me.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
I am so grateful that He chose to step out of eternity to make Christmas happen, Rebecca. Blessings to you.
Telena says
This is so beautiful and so very true. Love this, thank you for sharing Kaley!
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Telena. Blessings to you, friend.
Tracy says
Just Beautiful! And so so true! Thank you.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Tracy. Blessings during this Advent season.
Cheri Johnson says
Beautiful, hope-filled truth!
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Thank you, Cheri. Blessings to you.
Beth Williams says
Kaley,
The holidays, especially Christmas, can be a hard time for many people. All the world shows is happy times with family and lots of gifts. That is not true for some people. We seem to have lost the true meaning of Christmas. It is all about Emmanuel being born a Savior. He came to save us from ourselves. ‘Christmas joy isn’t found in shiny, pretty things but in the broken hearts that prepare Him room. Yes and Amen!! Christmas is about a savior come to heal our brokenness and give us new life eternal.
Praying for all the broken hearted people this Christmas. I pray that God would reign peace, joy and hope in your hearts and souls!
Blessings 🙂
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
I join you in your prayers, Beth. Blessings to you, friend.
SUSAN SHIPE says
There is loss every year. Yet, He comes!
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Such a simple statement with such deep meaning. Blessings to you, Susan.
Tamara says
This has been a hard year for my family, but I haven’t really acknowledged that, choosing to stay on the surface just to stay ” normal” . Reading this gives me permission to be sad. Which is a blessing. Thank you.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
It’s good to pay attention to how our hearts are really feeling. Praying Emmanuel meets you in those empty spaces this year, Tamara. Blessings to you.
Jana Snyder says
I had just been mulling over the morning this posted – Maybe part of *abiding* is being aware of my weaknesses, my cracks, and inviting Him into that space to inhabit it with His strength.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Indeed, Jana. May He meet you in those spaces. Blessings to you.
Julie Broadbridge says
Thank you for such honesty and truth and for allowing me to remember in my battle against cancer that Jesus is my hope and salvation and His Peace transcends all human understanding. May Jesus be the reason for this Christmas and may I take time to make room for Emmanuel and rejoice in His presence.
Kaley @ The Merry Little Christmas Project says
Praying God meets you in the battle, Julie. Blessings and grace to you this Advent season.
Dianna says
This is very honoring to those who may be hurting. Reminds me of an outpouring I had last year in “Beauty in Brokenness” on ordinary threads.com. Blessings to you!
Theresa says
Here it is the 3rd week in January and this email was in my box from Dec. just waiting for me to browse to. Very encouraging. Emmanuel with us in our empty times, and all times all through the year. All your words were encouraging.