Today I thought I’d take a popular Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and adapt it’s message for you, brokenhearted, weary, disillusioned, disappointed, grieving parents. God has many gifts to help us on our journey with children whose behaviors and choices have ruined our dreams and dashed our hopes. May these revised words remind you of a few of those gifts.

On the First day of Christmas our True God gave to us a Savior who is Jesus Christ the Lord.

On the Second day of Christmas our True God gave to us understanding friends.

On the Third day of Christmas our True God gave to us His  Eternal Comforter.

On the Fourth day of Christmas our True God gave to us the Holy Spirit an all-powerful Helper.

On the Fifth day of Christmas our True God gave to us the – gift – of – prayer.

On the Sixth day of Christmas our True God gave to us nature’s beauty to brighten our day.

On the Seventh day of Christmas our True God gave to us times of much needed rest and renewal.

On the Eighth day of Christmas our True God gave to us the Peace of Peace.

On the Ninth day of Christmas our True God gave to us a Wonderful Counselor.

On the Tenth day of Christmas our True God gave to us His precious promises to stand on.

On the Eleventh day of Christmas our True God gave to us Emmanuel, His presence always near.

On the Twelfth day of Christmas our True God gave to us His pure love forever and ever.

Thank you, Father, for each of these. Gifts for aching souls that money cannot buy. They give us hope. They give us life. They keep us going on. We praise you with all our hearts. We receive each one with deep gratitude. 

May this Bible verse encourage you,”Give thanks . . . to the One who remembered us in our low estate, his love endures forever (Psalm 136: 3, 23).”