To be honest, writing this particular blog makes me feel a bit like an impostor. I don’t know all the feelings, all the sorrow, or all of the hopes that still sit upon the altar of the Lord of all grace and comfort.

But I do know that good Lord of all grace and comfort. I do know He is good. And I know He hears.

Christmas is a special time to remember the young virgin, Mary and Child. The anticipation of Christ’s wonderfully glorious and humble birth. The Messiah had come. And it changed everything, forever.

Upon such a season, when we are all counting our blessings as we count our children, my dear lady, there is a message for you. I know some of you. And you are very very dear to my heart. May God comfort you, teach you and fill you with His phenomenal joy and Spirit today and forever.

“Sing O barren. you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. … Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; neither be disgraced. For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you.  – Isaiah 54

Even as this was prophetically written to Israel as the restored “wife” to the Lord, there is a great comfort and truth for the lady without child. There are so many children who need so much.

Isn’t it amazing how He sees you? Sees us all? All the striving and the prayer? The suffering and waiting? The longing with deep desire?

His promises are not void because your prayers still come before His throne. His promises are ever true, just as His timing and purpose are with nothing less than the perfecting work upon His people.

And dare I say that I owe so much to the women throughout my life who were not my mother or my grandmother. With no bloodline or relation, over the years I have been the recipient of motherly love and guidance that has steered me right and loved me graciously. I credit them with many planted seeds that brought me to Salvation’s door. Some had a warm home, a cup of hot cocoa & worship music playing while I was young; then joy, counsel and a love for Jesus as I grew older.

God grants you a home and a calling. He produces in you a special love for children that only comes that from sore and longing place inside. You see them as gifts and remind the tired mom to tarry through and silence her complaints. That she look upon her messy kitchen with gratitude, sparing no rejoicing. Children are a gift from the Lord. Just as God adopted us by His love and redeeming work, He gives you a life and a heart that would gather the unloved and refresh the tired. Be it only through prayer and giving, or taking them into your home. They need you and your faithfulness, drenched in God’s grace and truth, praying for them. Advocating for their protection.

You are not disqualified because you have no children of your own. Oh how so many kids need you! Oh how so many unprepared mothers need your prayers. May you never forget that pure and undefiled religion is this: that you care for the widows and orphans and keep yourself unspotted from the world.

Much love to you. And may the thing the stings the most be an instrument of God’s undying love and grace in your life. Merry Christmas, sister.