Bonnie Gray
  • Blog
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Podcast
  • Books
    • See All Bonnie Gray Books and Resources
    • Breathe: 21 Ways to Stress Less
    • Sweet Like Jasmine
    • Whispers of Rest Book
    • Finding Spiritual Whitespace
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact

Courage to Choose Joy: Merry Christmas!

By Bonnie Gray • December 25, 2018 • 6 Comments

Hi Friends,

I’m writing to you, right before I’ll be putting Christmas dinner on the table. It is a quiet, cozy day for our beautiful family of four to enjoy together.

Before I experienced God’s healing in my life, I would have been embarrassed to tell you that we were only celebrating Christmas with just my husband Eric, and our two boys Josh and Caleb. It seemed small compared to so many big family gatherings my friends would have. But, now that God’s love has healed me, and I’ve shared my story with you through the blog here and through my books– with all that has encouraged me with God’s love, I’m no longer afraid to shine God’s light through my story.

Your story matters. You being loved matters to God.

And I truly believe that is the heart of God’s whispers at Christmas. You are His treasure and we don’t have to look a certain way to be loved, noticed or valued.

For if God’s love and joy is alive in us, just as we are, how much He is alive in everyone?!

I feel that is why God chose Mary and Joseph, who were just everyday people who found themselves in a very awkward situation that didn’t look for “normal” or like everyone else’s family. I also think that’s why God chose the shepherds to be a part of His birthday gathering. The shepherds were always on the outside, yet God chose them because He was close to them.

And the wise men – they didn’t even make it on time to the manger – Scripture tells us the wise men arrived after what we think of the “25th”, the day of Jesus’ birth. When they followed the star, they arrived in the HOME of Mary and Joseph – later when Jesus was older!  So, you see, we are all on a journey with God, with the star He has put in each of our lives. It’s never one way to experience God at Christmas!

God calls us to choose joy and it take courage, because just like Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and wise men – you and I are called to experience Jesus in our own unique story, right where we are on our journey. 

Courage to Choose Joy

It takes courage to choose joy. Because choosing joy isn’t about what we do, but who we long to be. Beloved. And that can feel scary. Because what if joy isn’t ours to stay?

God understands this fear — that’s why he never tires to whisper “Don’t be afraid. I love you.” God sent us Jesus.

God whispers to us, just as he did to shepherds one dark night — I choose you. Come and see. Choose to be the beloved. Choose joy.

God whispers to us, when we’re feeling most inadequate — like the shepherds, sitting on the fringe of what we think is our best. God sees you. Gather your courage.

Breathe in this breath prayer as we step into one week before Christmas, just the shepherds did one night:

I will go.
And see what you have for me.
I will choose joy. Today.

✨May you feel as beautiful and beloved this very moment. Reflect on the courage you need to choose joy. See Jesus tenderly place His hand on yours, right now. Right where you are. Merry Christmas, beautiful friend!

Where is it you find yourself on the journey, friend?

Here is a reflection I wrote this afternoon, after the gifts were opened and there was a quiet space before I need to start dinner. 🙂 I hope it warms your heart, as I wrote it for you –

It feels like you could reach and touch the sky, or catch a star and fly away — and if you’re feeling weary, you can rest.

You don’t even have to say a word, He will catch your tears & keep your dreams safe — because here, there is peace. In this very place, this quiet place in your heart, you are beloved. You are home. Christmas is here for you today.

Feel a special kind of love and cheer, friend. it’s a shining, glowing time of year. Hear God whisper ever so gently —

✨“But my lovingkindness is from everlasting to everlasting. Ps. 103:17

✨“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” Jer. 31:1

✨“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Ps.136:1

I’m thankful God’s love has rewritten my life — as my childhood is being remade, as God’s love healed my heart these past 6 yrs. I’ve treasured every moment I can share what encouraged my heart with you here onlinesbd through my books.

And this year, I’m especially grateful our family’s highlight was my son Josh’s baptism, here in the ocean waves, like God’s love so deep. Josh was baptized at twelve, the same year I was baptized at twelve. God’s makes all things new. He’ll never stop loving us. No matter what.

?Merry Christmas, friends! May you feel as beautiful and beloved as you truly are this very moment, today onChristmas and always! With kindred affection, thinking of you tonight… love, bonnie

Pull up a chair. What memory of God’s love warms your heart this Christmas?

Where is it you find yourself on the journey, friend?

Click here to share a comment.

I’d love to hear your Christmas thoughts! Who can you share today’s encouragement with?

Beginning words to my reflection are inspired by the lyrics and song “The Very Best Time of the Year” by American Composer John Rutter.

 

Share With Others

Share Your Voice

Pull up a Chair

This is a quiet space for you and me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click to comment »

6 Comments

Get Faith Shots

Get each post served up hot and fresh in your mailbox.

[newsletter_signup_form id=0]

Give Yourself Grace: A Soul Care Tip For the Holidays
Rest and Be the Beautiful True You

Connect with Me

Bonnie Gray

Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

You Might Also Like

  • 🎉Break Free from Stress, Worry & Anxiety: Sign Up for my FREE Wellness Bible Study + FREE Digital Copy of my new book: Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less & Transform Chaos to Calm

  • 🎉Exciting News – My New Book Is Here + Bonus Gifts! Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less & Transform Chaos to Calm

  • Sweet Like Jasmine is Named 2022 Christian Book Award Finalist by the ECPA!

  • Choose to Believe You’re Worthy of Happiness

6 Comments

  • Reply De December 25, 2018 at 7:10 pm

    Bonnie,
    So beautiful (as always) and just what I needed.
    Christmas was just plain hard this year. The first one without my Mom after 57 together plus many, many disappointments in the last couple of months that have left my heart hurting. “Choosing Joy” was the only thing I could do because it didn’t come naturally. Thank you for the reminder. Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family.

  • Reply Katie Randolph December 26, 2018 at 12:10 am

    Thank you friend. Choosing joy is hard. Your words speak to my heart.

  • Reply Debbie December 26, 2018 at 7:11 am

    Thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement! As I look at photos of other people’s Christmas celebrations, it doesn’t look like mine. Most of my family is back east. So Greg and I celebrate together. And that’s okay. I am so thankful for God’s love.

  • Reply Joannie Koch December 26, 2018 at 9:47 am

    Christmas blessings to you and your family! Your tenacity to “love hrs” as you pour out your heart tomall of us is a taste of Jesus’ tenacious love for us. May He fill you and your family with his richest blessings this year!

  • Reply Joannie Koch December 26, 2018 at 9:48 am

    Oops…typos….”love hard” 🙂

  • Reply Morag December 26, 2018 at 9:26 pm

    The part that stands out to me today is that your healing journey has been six years so I can feel ok about how long it is taking me, and how the way our family looks or chooses to celebrate is still ok even if it looks different from others. And the wise men rocking in late with their gifts, still wonderful, not something to complain about, but I have to conciously choose to see it that way.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG

Sign up to refresh your soul with God’s love and rest. I’ll send you encouragement to nurture your heart and wellbeing. I’ll cheer you on!

SUBSCRIBE NOW»

Pull up a chair. Refresh your soul. Be inspired with soul care, stories & encouragement here. Breathe. This is a quiet space to swap some stories. Share your journey. Be the beloved. Be you. Serving up shots of faith for everyday life.
Bonnie Gray

“Bonnie has often led the way to freedom and truth by going there first herself. Her ability to invite us in as readers into our own stories only makes this world a better, more healed place.” 

– Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

“If you’ve ever been weary and needed room to breathe, then Bonnie Gray is the guide you’ve been looking for as you journey with Jesus to a new place of peace and freedom in your life.” 

Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Power of Introverts

Order Now »

LISTEN TO BONNIE’S BREATHE PODCAST

VOTED 2022 CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD FINALIST BY ECPA

“In a world crying out for kindess and belonging, this is a book needed for our times. Sweet Like Jasmine is a gift, a beautiful remembrance, that God treasures each of our broken hearts in His sweeping story of redemption.” 

– Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of The Broken Way

Order Now »

BONNIE IS A TRUSTED VOICE TO SO MANY – FEATURED ON

Archives

Compassion International Blogger

Compassion International Blogger

Sometimes it takes more faith for us to enter into a child's story than simply praying that it changes. Experience these stories unscripted.

Read the stories»

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Instagram RSS Pinterest
Bonnie Gray

Contact

© 2018 Bonnie Gray. All rights reserved. Website by Contemplate Design | Privacy Policy
Bonnie Gray
  • Blog
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Podcast
  • Books
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact