Pastor Tyler’s Blog

A Walk in a Winter Wonderland

It’s the time of year when lights decorate houses, gifts are being wrapped, and a building of excitement for Christmas. It’s the time of year when we’re supposed to be filled with joy, peace, and thankfulness for God’s promises and faithfulness. It’s the time of year when a movie on a foggy night, with hot tea and a blanket make you feel right at home. It’s the time of year when snow begins to fall and winter feels more like winter.

As I look back on 2009, it wasn’t always easy to hear “those sleigh bells ringing.” I started this year with no job, and no income. It started by following the Lord in faith to a new state and new city, and a hope for a new job. “Bluebirds” weren’t exactly singing as I questioned God about what He was doing in my life. I knew I needed to move, but moving to Colorado with no money, no job, and no place to live, isn’t exactly the “beautiful sight” you want to behold.

I moved on faith, prayed for help, and God was indeed faithful. I spent the first few months of the year in the mountains as God provided me a job at a Christian campground. There were no “meadows for snowmen,” but plenty of snow to shovel and plow. There were quiet times on that mountain where I would “dream and conspire, pray that we could face unafraid the plans the He was making, as I walked through an unfamiliar wonderland.”

Wedding bells rang, and we were listening. We were listening to hear God show us and guide us to the next step. He moved us to Idaho; He removed some of the trials we had faced. He moved us to a new land. He removed us from a wonderland. He’s helped us to sing a new song. He’s helped us remember some old ones. Here’s my point:

2009 has been a year where trial and hardship took on new meaning. Many families have had their faith tested and their resolve shaken.

Sleigh bells don’t ring as loud, it’s harder to listen for them, and the beautiful sight just doesn’t look as beautiful. Happiness maybe hasn’t been felt in a long time. And for the first time it feels like you’re walking directly in a winter wonderland.

Be encouraged. Psalm 16:7-8 says, “I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” And then in verse 11, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the JOY of your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.”

Living in a place of wonder is not always easy. “I WONDER where the next house payment will come from.” “I WONDER why God hasn’t answered my prayer.” I WONDER when things will turn around.” “I WONDER if we should move to find a new job.” “I WONDER if it’s even worth it.” Again I say, be encouraged.

This year should be a reminder to all of us, on our own we can do nothing, but through Christ all things are possible, even living through tough times and making hard sacrifices. He has not abandoned you. Better yet, He wants to come near you. And as we celebrate Christmas this year, may you be reminded that Christ was born, in order for Him to come NEAR to us. To walk with us. To WONDER with us. He walks with us in our winter seasons of life. Those times when we think nothing is happening, nothing is growing, everything is dead. He walks with us telling us to hold on for spring. So be joyful this Christmas, that God himself has given You the most important gift of all. Himself.

So may you hear the bells on Christmas day, may the snow glisten in the lane a little brighter. May it be a beautiful sight, the reminder of Christ, as you walk through a new and beautiful WONDERland!