It’s pretty easy to write a Christmas blog.
Talk about your love and appreciation for family and friends. Mention that someone’s presence is more important than the presents. For bonus points, be sure to use the phrase “reason for the season.”
Not knocking any of these, because I can get on board with all of them at their core (minus the cheesy-ness). But, to me, Christmas exists as an anomaly in the world of holidays.
It is often considered the most special time of the year. A time where you see family and friends, everyone is a little bit nicer for a few days, and even the Scrooge-iest among us has at least a measure of the spirit of the season. But, existing just a couple of steps away is often a feeling of one of the hardest times for many.
That Christmas Eve tradition? Started by a grandmother who now has trouble remembering names.
The reading of the Christmas Story? Dad did that when you were little, but he hasn’t since mom passed away.
That ornament hanging just below the top and to the right? Made by a daughter that you haven’t spoken to in a long time.
And the memories that flood you soul with family members that are no longer around to enjoy this time of year come at the most inconvenient time. . . . and often by the truckload.
So, I write to give us all a little hope this Christmas season. Let me assure you of three things:
- God loves you
Sometimes, even in a room crowded with people who love you, you find yourself wondering if anyone really does. Does anyone love you with all your flaws, scars, and ugliness? Does anyone really care without an angle or factoring in how you benefit them?
In Job 10:10-12, it tells us that He loved you before you were even born. In 1 John 4:9-10, it tells us that He loves you so much, He was willing to trade the life of His son for yours. - God sees you
Today’s world is busy creating content, jockeying for recognition, and begging for worthless worth. It is easy to wonder if you are just invisibly trudging along. You don’t have followers. You wonder if your struggles are seen by anyone outside your inner circle.
In Genesis 16:13, Abraham’s wife Sarai twice calls God “The One Who Sees Me.” Psalm 34:15 says that God’s eyes are on His children. The message is clear: you are not invisible to the God of the Universe. - God wants you to have joy
During this time of year, we can worry about so much. How much money we just spent. How much we wish we could have spent. Family rifts. Relationships that are broken. Children and grandchildren that we let go of just a little more each year. Health (both ours and those we love) and things that don’t get better overnight.
Did you know that the same God that created seasons of adversity also created the days of good fortune? In Ecclesiastes 7:14, it tells us to be joyful in the latter. Is this season one where you get to see family more than usual? Are your days more merry and bright than they normally are? Then rejoice in it! Live a little longer and harder days will come where it’s harder to find the joy. So, take joy in what’s right in front of you.
It’s easy to brood over what we don’t have – things, people, having everything exactly like we envisioned. But, scripture says we should dwell instead on things that are true (like the three things listed above), things that are just, things that are pure, things that are lovely (both inside and out), and things that pass the test of time (Philippians 4:8). It’s mind over matter. The Bible also describes the Devil as one who deceives the whole world. He certainly has tricked us into staring at the wrong things.
That doesn’t mean the hurt isn’t there. It just means we have to make a concerted, real effort to fix our eyes on something else. So, when the memory of Kane in his reindeer antlers running around comes flashing through my mental windshield, I’ll smile. Then, I’ll soak up today, seeing the young adults that Kara, Gabe, and JP have become and praise the God who gave me both.
From my family to yours, Jaclyn and I wish all of you the Merriest of Christmases this year! Because, cliches aside, the birth of my Rock and my Redeemer is certainly a reason to celebrate!
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.
– Dr. Seuss
Scottish Invasion 