Where is the Wonder?

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A post shared by Vanessa Horabuena | Christian Worship Artist â–¡ (@vanessahorabuena)

I am struggling to get in the Christmas mind frame this year. Struggling to prepare my heart.

All the presents are bought, wrapped, and under the tree. Cookies have been baked. Potlucks are commencing. Christmas music is being played. In Church we have been talking about finding the wonder in Christmas again… I do not feel the wonder. I feel like a grinch, a Scrooge. I do not like the cold in Minnesota and that is making it worse, and it isn't even that cold this year. I feel like something changed this year to make me feel this way but I am not sure what it is.

How do you find your Joy when it feels like there is no Joy to be found? How do you prepare your heart when you just feel like your heart wants to stay closed…

There is one painting that has made me stop and wonder this season by Vanessa Horabuena of Mary, sitting on the ground, resting against the manger, with her hair down smiling at baby Jesus. This painting has me coming back to what that night could have been, just a mother’s love for her Son. Pure wonder of what God’s plan is for a sweet baby. This picture is the most beautiful depiction of Christmas to me. I have yet to purchase a copy of the print, however, I will be :) 

When I feel like the above feelings of not finding the Christmas spirit I am hoping that I will remember it is not about all of the Christmas feelings but about the reality of what that night would bring.

I pray that this Christmas season leaves you wondering what Mary and Joseph thought about that first Christmas night and what God’s plans were for His life and how it would impact the world.
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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas!