For many people, Christmas is either “the most wonderful time of the year”, or it is one of the hardest seasons. It’s the time of year when the absence of someone we love is so hard. It’s the time when you realize that traditions have changed. The lights that are so beautiful and the music that is so festive can become painful.
I’m guessing that if you’re reading this, Christmas is either sometimes or always hard for you. Maybe you’re like me, and you love the festivity of the season, but it’s bittersweet.
For me, Christmas day is an odd mixture of joy, peace, and grief. In American culture, Christmas can be so painful when you are missing someone you used to celebrate with or when you or someone you love is battling health conditions.
It’s been like that for me. I love the Christmas season. The lights, the music, the feeling of joy. But it also carries hard reminders. This Christmas season has been hard.
The good news is, Jesus sees. Christmas really is all about Him. He is there for you. He’s waiting to help you carry your pain. He’s always been there.
The Spirit of the Lord God is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of our God’s vengeance;
to comfort all who mourn,
to provide for those who mourn in Zion;
to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
festive oil instead of mourning,
and splendid clothes instead of despair.
And they will be called righteous trees,
planted by the Lord
to glorify him. ~Isaiah 61:1-3
Even when circumstances are hard, Jesus is still with you. Trust Him. He will carry you through.
P.S. If you’re looking for Christmas stories that acknowledge the grief that comes with Christmas, while still bringing hope and light, I recommend The Christmas Collectors: volume 2. I have a short story published in it, and I’ve had the privilege of reading some of these stories early.
Leave a comment