God Speaks at Christmas

Written by Carolyn Crowell

A few years ago, on December 23 after midnight, I was ironing clothes for the coming Christmas Eve service when I heard God speak. Not an audible voice but a significant awareness of His presence that stopped me completely, along with a strong impression on my heart about the coming year for my family. I put down the iron, went into the living room and knelt by our tree to focus my heart on what God was saying. In that moment I received a word of encouragement about what God was going to do.

The words that stuck out to me where, “the year of restoration.” I believe those words meant this – as we would commit our resources to Him, He would provide for us in ways beyond our expectations. This has been proven again and again this past year. From a very broken place financially, where we existed at times at the poverty line, we are able to do more than ever to support our family and even have resources left over to invest in other people’s lives. Not in our power, but through God’s incredible restoration in that area of our lives.

That moment in time is forever etched in my heart. As each Christmas season has approached since then I find myself waiting in anticipation as to what He is going to say for the New Year. My ear and my heart are tuned in those quieter moments, whether ironing, driving, or wrapping gifts. I wait and look forward to hearing from Him. Each year, He has been faithful to speak.

Though these moments can occur anytime in the year, I find Christmas allows a great opportunity for a mid-course correction and renewed vision, in my personal life and in preteen ministry. Christmas is a great time to evaluate what has or hasn’t been working. It is also a great to pause and hear from God. Are we on the right track? Are we achieving our goals and objectives? Does God have a specific word of encouragement and vision for us moving forward?

Let’s tune our hearts to His frequency this Christmas season…