Guest post from my husband.
2016 has been the most difficult year our family has ever experienced. And, surprisingly, thanks to God’s unfailing, never-stopping, always and forever Love shown to us over and over again throughout our darkest times and in so many ways, this has been our most blessed year ever.
God has reminded us through scripture, words of encouragement, prayers, meals, and so many gifts, that He IS with us. Emmanuel isn’t just a promise for ancient Israel. Emmanuel is alive and here today. And He is near us no matter what we face.
If you have been part of the work He is doing on this earth: revealing His Kingdom to the people around you, you may not know the impact it has right away. But for people living in darkness, seeing the great light of Christ’s love in the lives of others is sometimes all it takes to get through that darkness.
If you have prayed for or with us, brought us a meal, donated to the Disney fund or the medical fund, or given us anonymous gifts, Christmas presents, or are part of the Christmas Commandos (I still can’t believe all these things happened this year)—we know we can never repay you for the love you have shown us. But know that we are so grateful for you and for the real, tangible ways you have shown us God’s love in our most difficult days.
Despite the pain and loss we’ve faced this year, our hearts are full and overflowing. We are blessed. We are so thankful for you. We love you.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love, the Burkeys.
Photo credit: Adam Tarwacki
