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A Glimpse of Heaven

  • Nikki White
  • December 23, 2022
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Christmas hope enters my home in dusty plastic bins pulled down from attic rafters. I reach for it each year, wishing a broken world to be perfect, if only for a day.

Christmas past greets me when I lift the lid. Homemade ornaments of popsicle sticks and pinecones wait to be hung on the tree. I sigh. The little hands that once made them now wear wedding rings. But one by one, I gently honor the memories and whisper, “Thank You, Lord, for what was.”

Christmas present calls to me and hands me another ornament. “Here, Grandma,” she says. I smile, grateful for what I’ve been given and whisper, “Thank You, Lord, for what is.”

But without warning, hands fumble, fragile shatters, and a cry goes up from my lips. “Oh no!” An irreplaceable heirloom breaks into a thousand pieces on the floor. 

Can hope be gathered again?

Then, I remember the wonder of Christmas and look up to the top of the tree where a star points to God’s promise.

Even in a broken world where hearts crush, tears fall, children leave, and loved ones are laid to rest under snowy cemetery boughs, Christmas still comes to us and whispers, “Carry on.” Because Jesus the Babe in a manger is now King on the throne, we can say, “Thank You, Lord, for what was, what is, and what will one day be.”

Christmas on earth is a mere glimpse of the glory that awaits us in Heaven. There will be a day when all will be made right. 

Merry Christmas, dear child of God. May you hang your broken dreams and shattered hearts on His promises today.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).

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Nikki White

Nikki S. White is the heart behind Just a Broken Believer, a Christian blog with a mission to encourage fellow Jesus followers in their faith walk Home. Nikki and her husband, Chuck, live in a 1,000 square foot corner of her Michigan hometown, a few steps away from their two married children, and the world's most beautiful and highly-advanced grandchildren. When she's not at her desk, you'll find her reorganizing closets, browsing antique shops, or sitting on the beach waiting to witness another spectacular Lake Michigan sunset.

10 comments
  1. Linda Richesson says:
    December 23, 2022 at 5:00 am

    Please put me on your everyday posts.

    Reply
    1. Nikki S White says:
      December 23, 2022 at 5:28 am

      Good morning, Linda,

      You can receive “A Joyful Life” daily devotion email each morning by filling out the form on this website. I know the inspired words that arrive in your inbox will be a blessing to you, as they have been to me.

      Each of the writers on the “A Joyful Life” devotion team have an individual website and social media accounts that you can find in their bios to follow as well.

      May God bless and keep you on this CHRISTmas as you continue to seek and follow Him all the days of your life. He is faithful.

      Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward all men,
      Nikki
      xo

      Reply
  2. linda k williamson says:
    December 23, 2022 at 5:11 am

    Beautiful words and thoughts on this Christmas Eve Eve!
    May we cherish in our hearts all of life’s precious memories and moments!

    Reply
    1. Nikki S White says:
      December 23, 2022 at 5:34 am

      Merry CHRISTmas, Linda!

      Amen! Our eternal God is so kind to appear in every moment of our lives. I pray that you will seek Him, see Him, and enjoy His presence in your life in a new way this year.

      May Jesus be born in every heart today!
      For His Glory,
      Nikki
      xo

      Reply
  3. Denise Lee Branco says:
    December 23, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    You had me captivated with every word, Nikki. I felt I was right there with you. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Merry Christmas dear friend. I am grateful God brought you into my life this year.

    Reply
    1. Denise Lee Branco says:
      December 23, 2022 at 8:24 pm

      Oops duplicate entries!

      Reply
      1. Denise Lee Branco says:
        December 23, 2022 at 8:28 pm

        Please delete one of my duplicate entries, Nikki. My gosh. A serious moment and I become technically challenged! Well, I know God wants us to laugh, too.

        Reply
        1. Nikki S. White says:
          December 23, 2022 at 10:01 pm

          I cannot tell you how many times I do that, too! I can’t delete the duplicate , but maybe the Lord wanted me to really hear what you said! haha!

          xo

          Reply
    2. Nikki S White says:
      December 23, 2022 at 9:58 pm

      You are so kind, sweet friend! Thank you for all your encouragement this year!

      Merry Merry CHRISTmas to you and your precious parents.

      Love,
      Nikki
      xo

      Reply
  4. Denise Lee Branco says:
    December 23, 2022 at 8:23 pm

    You had me captivated with every word, Nikki. I felt I was right there with you. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Merry Christmas dear friend. I am grateful God brought you into my life this year ❤️

    Reply

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