A Message from Jenny Skarke
Last year’s Christmas was a little different for the Skarkes. Since I was on bedrest for the last half of my pregnancy (October-December), we were unable to attend our usual family holiday events and also were not able to attend in-person church. When I was first told I was going to be on bedrest, I was absolutely crushed. In that moment, my mind went straight to “I will miss absolutely everything this holiday season.”
Almost immediately, I realized what a HUGE blessing all of this downtime was. I was forced to spend countless hours at home which meant I prayed a lot, I read God’s Word, and I built relationships with people I barely knew prior to all of this. I watched the church come together and support my family by providing meals, we hosted Thanksgiving for the first time in our new home, and Michael and I got the time we needed together before Clarke arrived.
On Christmas morning this year, we will sing a song called, “Make Room.” Some of the song lyrics say, “You can come as you are / But it may set you apart / When you make room in your heart / And trade your dreams for His glory / Make room in your heart.” How much space do we fill in our hearts with the anxiety and stress of the holidays? How much do we fill with the sadness of not being able to afford gifts for everyone in our lives? How much space is left for Jesus? Do we ever stop and give the glory to God?
This year, I’m continuing the choice to make room for my faith, joy, love, peace, and Jesus. I’m choosing to leave room for God to move through me as I am with family and friends this Christmas. Are you willing to shift your focus this holiday season to the Prince of Peace?
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