Christmas 2016 A new meaning.

This has been the first Christmas I have spent with just me and my girls. I became a single mum seven years ago. When I got separated I wanted with all my heart for my ex husband to come to his senses and love me and the girls with all his heart. But life did not turn out like the vision I had had of being married years and not getting divorce after eighteen years I became a single mum in a country far from home. I was reminded today of that heart ache as my girls waited to hear from their dad but no phone call came and just a text he was busy as my younger daughter said with his new family. It is true our hearts want so much to be loved that often we chase after love from people who really are incapable of loving us. My girls are amazing and I am not perfect but I see today that in those hopes that it is time to move on. It is in the solitude of tears rolling down my eyes that I sense sadness as if someone died yet hope that I can live as me and not what someone wanted me to be. As I stood yesterday listening to a choir I realized that it is not in perfection and looking good that we find hope but in our imperfection and in seeing that we are enough. See we are blessed to be given children and we are blessed to be given this life and even in death we can see that there is a vision for a new life. So today may have been difficult and awkward but it is time to move on year 7 is sure going to be great. Thanks God.

The word Merry/Happy Christmas is not a bad word.

Many of us work in retail it is a sad day when one is told that one cannot say "Merry Christmas" as it may offend shoppers. Yet those stores carry Christmas items with the words saying "Merry Christmas" on them. The world we live in means that many of us are from all parts of the world so although England does not celebrate July 4th nor do we Thanksgiving I am not taken offense when people wish me a "Happy July 4th" or a "Happy Thanksgiving". Just because the word "Christmas" has now been replaced by many signs saying "Happy Holidays" it should not mean those who wish to say "Merry Christmas" are told that they should not say it. May I remind the retailers that "Christmas" you have marketed into the biggest money making season, so it is alright to take peoples money but not to wish them a "Merry or Happy Christmas" surely that is taking advantage of as the retailers say a "Christian Holiday". Freedom of speech should not be just for a few, the word "Christmas" should be a light to a hurting world and should bring joy to all around. Would it be better to curse at customers no that would be offensive. Yet there are many other holidays for other religions I do not see retailers at least in England and the USA making money of such holidays as Hanukkah. If I was to say "Happy Hanukkah" that too might offend people. So as a Christian why are so many retailers are allowed to make their employees feel small for wishing customers a "Happy, Merry Christmas" Surely if this is the case then these very stores need to stop being hypocrites by selling Christmas items and making money out of a Christian holiday. Christmas is a time of joy and it is a time to allow happiness to spread, a smile a spirit of good cheer and time to reflect a time to remember Jesus Christ. Christmas is not a Happy holiday to many of us who still say "Merry Christmas" it is a saving grace. Be blessed this Christmas.