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Blessings of Life

Luke 1:41-42 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!"

I've been thinking about blessing this Christmas.  Today I was drawn to Mary's story and the fact that Elizabeth calls her blessed.  Mary's life would have been very difficult after the angel visited her.  She was a virgin with child.  Her husband-to-be was unhappy and wasn't sure what to do.  Their life was hard and yet she was blessed.  At Christmas time I think we often think of all of the "blessings" of life, the happy things.  Family, friends, gifts, and so on.  This year, I challenge you to find the blessing in the hardships of your life.  My mom is in Heaven and I am challenging myself to find the blessings this Christmas that are wrapped within her being there.  Not just the blessing for her, but blessing for us.  This is not easy, which is why I call it a challenge.  What are the difficulties you are facing today and how is God using them to bless you?  Please don't get caught up in only thanking God for the "good" blessings of life.  God blesses us in the midst of suffering and sorrow, just as He blessed Mary and Joseph.  Look for those blessings this Christmas and let your heart be glad.

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