By: Dr. Jeff Fuller
COVID-19 seems to have caused a great deal of problems over the past year, with many unable to look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Some families curtailed or canceled family get-togethers, which caused heartaches and heart breaks.
Storms have buffeted our area over the past year. Some are still attempting to put life back together. This is causing some to desire Christmas to hurry up and get over with, leaving pain and sorrow for the present time and fear of the future.
Death has taken loved ones and holidays are just not on the minds of those who have not been afforded the opportunity to fully mourn the losses too great to articulate.
Families and individuals are having trouble thinking about celebrating.
I have experienced those pains and sorrows. There have been times where I could not enjoy Christmas. Celebrating was something I had not desire to do and even now seems to be elusive. Seems that past experiences are conspiring to make me have no desire to celebrate. There are times listening to Christmas music or Christmas hymns brings no joy, peace, or hope.
You feel that way? Some of you do and you too feel robbed of the pleasures and present. I must tell you, we are not alone.
Experts tells us thousands of people can not wait for Christmas to be over. Counseling centers offer several special sessions during the month of December for people who have a hard time celebrating Christmas because of past experiences or memories.
For them there is no joy, regardless of the angels promise over 2,000 years ago.
It is precisely because of the many joy-killers in our lives-in your life and in my life-we need to listen to the angel’s message:
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night…the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid…the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger…there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:8-20 (KJV)
Without the Savior, life is too heavy. The burden is too hard to carry alone. The weight is difficult to stand under.
We need His closeness to help us make it through and to experience the joy He came to bring us. We have to do as the shepherds did; they went to see the Savior and they worshiped Him.
This is when I realize Christmas is not about me; it is about Him. This is when you and I realize that a baby in a manger changed everything.
If you find it difficult to celebrate Christmas this year take time to spend with your Lord. Listen closely to the Good News of scripture and sincerely, honestly, tell God how you feel. When you do, you will experience somethings of God’s peace that passes understanding.
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in [everything] by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:4-8 (KJV)
Until next time…