WHEN CHRISTMAS ISN’T MERRY
Of all the holidays we celebrate, Christmas seems to have more pressure and pre-determined “shoulds.” For those of us who are believers and followers of Christ, the pressure is even greater because we know and truly do want to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Yet even with that being said, I wonder…
What about those times when Christmas isn’t Merry?
The true meaning and spirit of Christmas get lost (or maybe hijacked) earlier each year. Retailers and merchandisers start before Halloween with their ads and displays. It is now common to see Christmas red and green juxtaposed next to orange and black spiders and pumpkins. What a clash (in more ways than just color)!!!!
This year has been especially hard for many. So it is understandable that It is hard to feel merry and bright when...
…someone especially dear has died.
…a spouse or child or other family member has been diagnosed with cancer or
some other dread disease.
…you have been fired, or hours have been reduced, or your
business has done poorly.
...you can't be with those you love this year.
… you are just depressed, or lonely, or exhausted from life’s
seemingly constant demands, heartaches, and twists and turns.
I may sound like Scrooge or the Grinch, but that is not my
intent. My true motivation is to encourage us to be truthful and give ourselves
permission not to be forced into faking our feelings. No, we don’t want to ruin
anyone else’s Christmas, but neither do we need to be forced to pretend we are feeling merry when we aren't.
The healthiest way to celebrate is to acknowledge and be honest about our feelings. Christ came to bring hope,
joy, peace, and love, but the prophet Isaiah tells us, “He was a man or sorrows and acquainted
with grief and He knows our struggles, and He came to carry our burdens.” [Read
all of Isaiah 53—it is really an encouraging passage].
So, if you aren’t
feeling especially jolly, remind yourself that it is ok to acknowledge your
feelings, and do what you can to enjoy the season; above all else, know
that you are not alone. We are all
struggling in some way on this road of life. Reach out to someone; contact me
through this blog. I may not have a
solution, but I will listen and do my best to be present with you.
From my heart to yours, Celebrate Christmas! (Merry or Not)
