Advent Reflection: 19th December- Tracy Williamson

Every day this Advent we will be sharing reflections from Christian authors. Today's is by Tracy Williamson.

‘Togetherness' - 'What together for CHRISTmas' means to me.’

It’s Christmas, the season of togetherness,

families joined in excitement and love, friends celebrating together.

Christmas – we have such hopes for it, this season of goodwill, gifts and busyness. We write our cards and share our news. We plan our guests or where we might go.

The hidden lonely are sought out and drawn in, but yet still sometimes forgotten in the rush to get all done. Their empty room unseen, that Christmas tree boxed up, the ready meal for one.

But we do want to reach out, to enjoy Christmas together, for there to be love, even if we know it’s not quite real.

So what is Christmas?

The season of crowded streets, pretty lights, mince pies and tinsel?

Of parties, church services, Christmas trees and carols?

Food shopping and cooking, spices and mulled wine?

Hugs and gifts shared, tense silences buried?

A celebration of love, yes, of togetherness.

For God came, in Jesus, Immanuel

To join us together.

Father and beloved child reunited, an eternal friendship created.

Togetherness – the joy of Christmas

God in me and I in Him.

Never again alone.

And this is the heart of what togetherness means

To me.

For as a single person,

and deaf,

it is hard sometimes to feel connected.

I can be in a room full of friends or family

yet not be part of it.

Knowing they love me

and I them,

yet not always connected…

It can be lonely for me and others too, even in the midst of a crowd,

yet beyond our individual struggles there is joy in sharing His love.

Wanting to bless, to create smiles, to host wonder.

And that wonder becomes most real when I look within

rather than when I strive to make everything perfect.

But look within to find Him, my Immanuel

together with me and I with Him.

Secretly in my heart, speaking joy and peace -

yes joy, even when I feel alone in the crowd.

He is there, empowering me to love as He loves.

To love from my heart, to reach out

and draw others

into the togetherness

of His love

at Christmas and always.

The Father's Kiss by Tracy Williamson: An honest and sensitive blend of biblical teaching and personal testimony which helps people experience the reality of God the Father's love for them in a deep way. Tracy Williamson honestly shares the insights and lessons she has learnt on her journey as she has allowed God to free her from deep childhood hurts, into the revelation that she is a beloved daughter of Father God. With a unique mix of practical teaching, personal stories, poems, prophecies and questions for reflection this is a life-changing resource for all who carry the wounds of rejection.

Click here to find out more!