Have you ever been sad at Christmas because you felt alone, lonely or lonesome? Perhaps you are grieving the death of a loved one who will never again spend another Christmas with you on earth. I know what that is like many times over.
Having lost all my babies to miscarriage, having lost to death both my grandparents and parents, one of my biological sisters to cancer, plus the tragic death of my stepson, who I helped raise from young boy to adult makes the Christmas season painful for me most years.
And, when I think about all the broken family relationships that may never be repaired in this life, it grieves my heart deeply. I must seek God for His holy, righteous perspectives to get me through Christmastime.
So, why is it that we make Christmas ABOUT us? In all fairness, we live in a society that teaches us to think this way from childhood up. We want Christmas to be special and fulfilling for us, with all its tradition, toys and other trappings.
We wish one another a merry Christmas. But, what does that mean? I can hear Charlie Brown exclaiming, “isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” Linus replied, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” At that point, Linus quotes a passage from the Bible in Luke 2 to tell the audience what Christmas is all about. Therein is the reason we Christians should celebrate the Christmas season.
Jesus Christ is the One we say we celebrate, adore and worship at Christmas and hopefully all year long. Sadly, human tradition has taught us to make Christmas day about us. Each of us need to consider why (really) we decorate our house, why we celebrate Christ with a pine tree and ornaments, why we give material gifts to one another, etc. Is it truly ABOUT Christ? Many Christians will rationalize that all of this is about Christ, because they make it about Him. I certainly won’t balk at that or judge another person’s heart over these choices and decisions.
Christmas is a great time of the year for telling the message of the gospel that makes the entire celebration event about the Incarnate God — Jesus — being born of a virgin girl so that HE could reconcile us sinners to Himself and give us the greatest privilege of knowing Him through eternal salvation in this life and in the next. How can I be sad at Christmas when God in Christ Jesus is the greatest gift I could ever receive and did receive many years ago?!
I do typically get sad around Christmastime BECAUSE I am not surrounded by my own children and grandchildren and other immediate family who I love. I admit that. But, when I begin to be aware that I am doing this again, I have to regroup and put my mind on things above where Christ is seated in Heaven, where I am spiritually seated with Him. Glory to God! When I consider what Jesus did for me, I have GREAT reason for rejoicing in Jesus at Christmas and all year long.
Dear reader, if you have never personally met Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, grab a Bible or go online to a site that has the whole Bible at your fingertips in multiple different translations and versions, like www.blueletterbible.org. Read the books of Luke, John, Ephesians and Colossians, for starters, to meet Jesus, Who loves you and died for you so that you may live eternally with Him after your time on earth is finished, which could happen any time. He is waiting for you there, if you are truly seeking Him.
For those of you who already know Jesus as Savior and Lord, remember that our time here on earth is short, no matter how long the Lord lets us stay here. We will soon meet Him face to face. What will our life have to show for our gratefulness to Him for all He did and does for us? At Christmas, and all year long, let’s be intentional to worship Him in the quiet of our heart wherever we are. Let’s be intentional about doing what we do for the glory of Jesus Christ and not our self. Yes?
Write me any time using my Contact page. I look forward to hearing from you. And, please let me know how I may personally pray for just you.
I am praising and adoring Jesus, even if Christmas does not ‘go’ my way…
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your perspective and your personal challenges. May the God of the Universe reach out in a mighty way this year and bring the peace and joy they need. May He use us this season to join with those who need a special human dose of His love each day.
Amen, Denise! Thank you very much for your kind words and thoughts.