"And Again I say Rejoice"

What better time of year is there to reflect on what this year has brought us? As I reflect on the reason we have a Christmas, indeed the reason we have a New Year or time at all for that matter, I am reminded of one thing: myself and my problems are small. That's right, indeed they are insignificant to the surpassing grace and majesty of our great God, who before time predestined us to the purpose of knowing, glorifying and enjoying Him. Are my problems things that must be dealt with? Certainly! but not to consume my time so that I miss the grace and mercy God has provided through them.
I am learning a very important lesson in rejoicing in all circumstances. As my wife stated in her blog, we have a lot to be thankful for this year. I have thought and thought about what to write and even attempted to do so about the many things that have happened to us this year, and I'll save that for my journal, but I am in no position to complain, which is what I would be doing. Instead of complaining I have focused my attention on rejoicing in Christ and what he accomplished, by putting on flesh, remaining God and yet still man, living and dying in perfect obedience, and finally rising from death heralding the salvation of man through him.
There is truly hope in these thoughts. Yes, my family's situation looks grim for now, but if God has brought all things together to accomplish salvation for those who would believe, why would I not hope that he will get us out of this dark period? Whether it be to live somewhere else or to die and be with him I rejoice.
I praise God for the blessings he has given us, even testing my family and those relationships to forge us in to the people he has called us to be in him.