Christmas Can be Merry, In Spite of Your Circumstances

Christmas can be a wonderful time of year but often can be painful and depressing. It can be a time of mixed emotions. Often there is a sense of sadness and grief throughout the holiday season due to loss of a loved one, illness, divorce, or because of an estranged family member. The peace and joy we hear mentioned in Christmas carols is nowhere to be found. If we think about our circumstances, we have a distorted perspective of an event that changed history and can ultimately change one’s life for eternity.

No one loves the decorations and festivities of Christmas more than I do. I have a tree in every room. The usual accessories of our home are packed away and replaced with every kind of Christmas decoration to be found. But they have nothing to do with the origin of Christmas. It isn't about Santa, presents, music and pageants.  In spite of the festive décor at our home, there are painful circumstances in our family that we cannot control.  So how can we have joy and celebrate Christmas?

"Christ"mas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. It is interesting that people who don't believe in the Savior or have time for Him in their lives celebrate Christmas. They do it for the "stuff" that comes with the Holiday (holy day). Santa, gifts and festivities are their focus.

Over two thousand years ago, God sent his Son, Jesus, to become the Savior of those who believe in Him. The prophecy of Christ's coming is found in Old Testament  and the actual event is documented in the Gospels of the New Testament. Luke 2 is the most commonly read Christmas passage. It is a humble story but one that has impacted the world more than any other. It is a story known around the world, in all cultures.

As our circumstances change, the story of God's love and the birth of the Savior remains the same. If we look for joy in our circumstances, it may not be there, or if it is, it could be gone in a moment. Joy is found in what the Lord has done for us.  It is consistent and keeps things in perspective.

Have you noticed how the gift we so desired will bring momentary satisfaction, but eventually, the delight of that gift will be gone, it will break, be lost or put aside and we will long for something else?

God gave the first Christmas gift.  It is a gift that brings joy and peace to the soul.  It is a gift that will outlast all others.  It is a gift that cannot be earned or purchased.  It is a gift that no one else can give. It is the gift of Jesus the Christ. It is the gift of eternal life to all who believe.

My wish for you this season is that you experience the real joy of Christmas as you celebrate the birth of the Son of God.

John 3:16 says it so clearly, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) will not perish, but have everlasting life."

If you have not received God’s gift, all you have to do is acknowledge that Jesus, the Son of God, is the Savoir who came to forgive your sins and accept that gift with thanksgiving.  It will be yours for eternity.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas as you experience the joy that only Jesus can give!