This Christmas is going to be one I remember forever. Its a bittersweet one. I won’t be cuddled up next to my man looking at our tree, talking about what ministries and families we are going to give to for Christmas. I won’t be hearing how excited he is about eating his Mimi’s famous pecan pie and cornbread dressing. He won’t be beside me opening up gifts and laughing at family inside jokes. He won’t be holding our baby who is experiencing his very first Christmas, or watch our toddlers as they play with their little nativity. He isn’t reading our advent book each night and talking to my boys about preparing our hearts for Christmas.
BUT:
I am going to remember that this Christmas is Patricks best Christmas yet. He isn’t worried about this earthly time, he is just worshiping Jesus, and I can do the same, worship the Prince of Peace, Immanuel, I am just in a different location, not with the Lord. But The Lord is with me. What a privilege to be able to worship freely the only One who brings Hope to our lives!
I will remember how the name Immanuel means “God with us” and how He is so present with me as I miss my beloved. I will find comfort in that.
I will remember that Christmas is about Jesus. How He came to live, die and conquer death and give us life. That is always something that is worth praising the Lord for. He came for us. He died for us. He is good to us and abundant in His mercy towards us.
I will remember how God is using the body of Christ and the generosity of His people to encourage our hearts, provide for us and hold our hands as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
I will remember how loved my children are by everyone around us. Most of all how much the Lord loves us and how He cares and hurts for us. How He knew before they were born that they would be fatherless, and how He would be their Father God.
I will remember to be SO thankful for the amazing and godly husband that God gave me. Marriage is a treasure and a gift and I feel so blessed to have been able to experience it with the best husband for 4.5 years. I will thank God for that always. What a gift!
I will remember that gifts, parties, romance and food aren’t what matters. Christ was born to redeem us and HE is to be exalted above all this Christmas.
I will remember my baby saying “da da” for the first time and his daddy isn’t here to listen to him talk. But oh what a gift that precious little soul is to me. Praying he will always use his words and voice to bring praise the name of Jesus. I will be thankful that he had a good godly daddy and that God allowed his first little sounds to be his name. He has no idea how blessed he is to have the legacy God gave him with his daddy.
Above all I just want to remember Jesus. He is present, with us, cares for us and sees all that is going on in my heart and life. He was enough last Christmas and He is enough this one too. My Christmas may look different this year but its a Christmas worth remembering, because the gift of Jesus is enough.
Comments 17
Britty,
Merry Christmas. You really have a way of reaching people and putting the Christ back into the season. I know this year will be one etched into your memory but the Lord will guide you through it. Big hugs!!
Michelle
Author
Thank you! Love you so much and so thankful for you!
We are praying for all of you. We don’t know you personally but we did know your precious Patrick. We love you and pray for the arms of Jesus to hold you and your babes tight and close. Blessings.
Author
Thank you so much Linda! You are a blessing! I feel like I know you from my man. Grateful for the way you have loved on our family.
Brittany , your words and view are amazing. I can only imagine how hard these last couple of months have been. But know I love reading your story, blog, Facebook messages and pictures of your Godly family. Your children are so very lucky to have you as there mom and to have such a great dad. That they will always know.
Author
Thank you so much Kim! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas!
Brittany,
I have been following your story through mutual friends. I have prayed for you frequently since I first heard your story. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your hope with us. It is so encouraging to me!!! Please know that my family is praying for yours during this holiday season and in days to come. And we rejoice with you that Patrick is with our King!
Your sister in Christ,
Sarah
Author
Thank you so much Sarah! So grateful for your faithful prayers!
Author
Thank you so much Sarah! Grateful for you!
I don’t know you and your sweet family personally but I am continually blessed by your faith and testimony. I know of Patrick through my cousin, Mike Gwinn, and I am so grateful I got to “meet” Patrick – he left quite a legacy and that and your testimony make me want a closer walk each day with Him. May Jesus cover you and your boys with His love and peace every day.
Author
Thank you so much Marie! Blessings to your sweet family!
So beautiful and so encouraging, you encourage us! You are loved and prayed for, and you helped me again focus on the wonder of this holy holiday!
Author
Thank you Anne!
Brittany, you have such a rare ability to share your heart and deep sorrow while communicating your eternal hope that just cannot be shaken. It is obvious the Lord’s name and character are being magnified through this valley of the shadow of death. We recently moved away from Atlanta, but I so wish I could meet you and your boys in person and gift you with acts of service that would lighten your load. Your hope has increased my awareness of Jesus’ presence in every detail, and my heart is more focused on the eternal as I follow your story and pray for you and your boys. I pray for you and your boys every day and ask Jesus to give you sweet ‘Patrick’ moments to lift your heart. Lots of love from Virginia, Chrissy & family
Author
Chrissy thank you so much for your faithful prayers, it’s a HUGE treasure to our family! So grateful for your encouragement! Blessings to your precious family!
Merry Christmas, Brittany! You are loved!
Author
Thank you!