God With Us, God For Us

GOD WITH US, GOD FOR US

by Rich Shepherd

Without a doubt, Christmas is a special time of the year. I’m sure many of us have memories that stand out from others. It could have to do with a toy that you saw on the shelves every time you went to the mall with your parents. I know for me it was always about sports items so we could start the year out with friends on the block playing till the sun went down. For some, it could be the food or treats that only came out at this time of the year. Growing up, there was a precious elderly lady who used to turn her front living room into a candy & bakery store. She would make most things from scratch and what she couldn’t, she bought. Upon entering the house, she’d hand each of us a zip lock plastic bag and instruct us that as much as we could stuff in the bag, it was ours and ours alone. Which was really cool for me because I had two brothers and when you’re young, you don’t want to share. For others, Christmas time was special because everyone just seemed to get along. As a dad of two boys, I see something special in my boys at Christmas time. Of course I know they’re excited to get gifts, but they also enjoy the memories we make with the traditions of cutting our tree down by hand, hanging the lights, watching Christmas classics leading up to the big day, and just like me when I was young, they look forward to feasting on food and desserts.

Christmas, there’s nothing like it!

Now, while all of that sounds good, there is another side of Christmas that isn’t as bright. For many, it’s a time of loneliness, hurt, depression and anxiety.

For some, Christmas brings back pain from their childhood of divorced parents, empty trees, family tension, and no hope. It can be a time when it’s really hard and you feel alone.

And while Christmas time can be hard, there is a truth for us . . . God is with us and God is for us! In every moment, He is there. We may feel that we are deep in a valley, or alone in a desert. We might be on top of the mountain looking for direction, or just waiting to see if our prayers will be answered. No matter our circumstances, we can celebrate that God is with us.

In this Christmas season, God can redeem the hurt of years past and walk with you on a new journey full of hope and joy in a way you’ve never experienced before. This Christmas season, things can change!

Join us on December 1st at all of our campuses as we start a brand new teaching series, God with us, God for us! In this series you’ll discover that you’re not alone, God is with you through the pain. He comforts you in the waiting. When you’re anxious about your future, He gives you courage.

Rich and Vanessa Shepherd, Canyon Hills San Luis Obispo Campus Pastors