Christmas in the Desert
love the Lord, because He hears [and continues to hear] My voice and my supplications (my pleas, my cries, my specific needs). Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.~Psalm 116:1-2 AMP
I was six years old, and, as I remember, things that December were difficult. We faced Christmas in the desert in more ways than one.
The Desert
My family had spent time on the road, traveling the West in an antique travel trailer. We had explored gorgeous destinations, but money had become more than just a little tight. Food was scarce, gas was less than fumes, and Christmas looked bleak.
My mom, however, had a way of spinning even the most meager resources into a special, magical moment full of love. But this Christmas, it seemed the magic was passing us by like the tumbleweeds blowing across the western desert we looked out on. Things looked barren, dry, and empty from any angle.
I remember praying with Mom and my sister for God’s help. That night, I watched in wonder at the skies as the inky black sparkled with brilliant diamonds of light like sparkling reminders of hope in darkest hours. God held every star, and He created this vast, amazing desert that surrounded us in our camper. He knew every detail and bent near to our innocent prayers and grumbling stomachs. Finally, I fell asleep, listening to the humming of wild Nevada hum and the haunting cries of coyotes.
Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, please save my life!” Gracious is the Lord, and [consistently] righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate. The Lord protects the simple (childlike); I was brought low [humbled and discouraged], and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.Psalm 116:4-7 AMP
My heart was too young to understand the weight of the situation or my mother’s emotional load as she navigated the complex relationship with my father. Thus, I didn’t comprehend the ache of her heart as we all struggled through his wandering adventures.
The Abundance
What I did understand was that no matter where we were or what we had (or didn’t), God was with us. My mother’s unshakeable faith felt like hope, wisdom, and reckless abandon. Consequently, it filled me with foundational strength and a relationship with God that would carry me through my entire life.
On Christmas morning, my sister and I woke up to impossible magic. God had met our needs and provided my mom with a little gift money in the mail. She got a small gift for each of us. Additionally, she managed to make some food from whatever clearance-bin items she found and to create a fake fireplace with a roll-out paper brick kit. On it, she lovingly placed our nearly-filled Christmas stockings, filled with fresh oranges, apples, candy, and so much love.
Additionally, a large box had arrived from my aunt at the post office’s general delivery. Inside were toys and goodies. It contained material things, but it was answered prayers and substantial reassurance from God that was worth more than gold.
That year wasn’t a lavish Christmas, but it was one of the most memorable in that complex portion of my childhood. I witnessed a picture of God’s perfect timing and provision for two little girls and a faith-filled mother who had prayed together in the desert.
God’s presence was palpable as I held the stuffed animal my aunt had sent me. I could taste God’s goodness in the candy cane as I clutched my little filled stocking. I felt held by His warmth as I looked at the dear, fake fireplace staring back at me in that old camper. God had remembered my family, and the humble provisions were rich with His kindness.
The Perspective
God holds us with His grace and goodness, no matter our circumstances. Therefore, He is near to us, longing to be gracious. He is Immanuel, God with us.
Therefore the Lord waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them].~Isaiah 30:18 AMP
Perhaps you have also experienced a Christmas season of uncertainty or one that wasn’t normal, and you are unsettled. God is near, and He loves you. He is with us in plenty and in lack. He will never fail to carry you through this life.
Hold fast to your faith and watch how God will use this season for beautiful good.
God, You promise that You are with me and near me. Thank You for remembering me, seeing me, and caring about the smallest details of my life. You wrapped Yourself in flesh as the best gift of all. You are Immanuel, God with me. Thank You for all the ways You are ever-present through this life. You provide and remind me that You care, no matter where I am or what I face. Your kindness is so beautiful. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2025: Christmas in the Desert: Kristi LaRee: All Rights Reserved.
Please follow and like us:
20
20
20
20