Gathering Place: BLOG! But These Moments are Invitations
- Linda Thomson
- Dec 19, 2025
- 1 min read
“But these moments are invitations...”
"But this season is not about holding on to what was - it's about opening your hands to what God is doing now." she goes on, "He works in missed calls, the strained conversations, the hope we're trying to hold onto. His presence is steady and sure."
Ann Voskamp explains, "You don't need to create the perfect holiday to experience the miracle of it. God comes into the imperfect places - into the unspoken griefs, the gaps in our families, the unfulfilled expectations - and fills them with His presence. That is where real joy begins."
"God comes into the imperfect places - and fills them with His presence."
"There are so many dynamics that can distract us from the true joy of Christmas.
Christmas can trigger emotions and expectations. Family gatherings often reveal the unhealed places of our hearts. But these moments are invitations – not to fix others, but to surrender ourselves again to the One who heals to the One who restores."
“But these moments are invitations...”
Henri Nouwen
I absolutely loved all the wonderful recipes and will be trying some of them soon. What really grabbed my attention is the short article, "But These Moments are Invitations." It really spoke to my heart. I always dream of a perfect Christmas celebration and many times "my desires" fall short of my unrealistic expectations. Thank you for the beautiful reminder that sometimes I just need to pause and "heal" myself in complete surrender to the One who made Christmas the true celebration!