Phoenix

The Phoenix is a mythical bird that dies in flames and is reborn from the ashes.
The Phoenix is described and displayed as outstandingly beautiful.
Often the most beautiful things come from the ashes, some of the most amazing stories come from hurt and pain, the testimonies we remember are those people who have come from destruction to salvation, we are marvelled at God's amazing for the murderer, the adulterer, the robber....

In my own post-Christmas reflections it strikes me that Jesus' birth was a bit like that. (Matt 1:18-25) To the watching world Mary's bump would have been evidence that Mary and Joseph had sex before they were married. Back then this was severely frowned upon, they would be ostracized and isolated. Little did the world know that the coming child was from the Holy Spirit of God. What seemed to the onlooker as sin was being used amazingly by God to bring a Saviour to the world. Out of what seemed like a shocking situation for a young couple at the time came the start of God's presence here on earth!

Often out of ashes, pain, hurt and unthinkable comes unfathomable beauty and joy.
Where might that be true in our lives in the next year?