Having A Blue Christmas?

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Cheer up, dude. It’s Christmas. –The Grinch (2000).

Last week I was in a doctor’s office staring at the magazine rack. There was a copy of Midwest Living magazine there with a beautiful house nestled back into some trees. The house was covered in soft white glowing Christmas lights. It was a serene scene. The title on the cover said: All Is Calm. The subtitle said: Settling Into The Season Of Joy.

But this is not a season of joy for everyone. Indeed, many people have a love/hate relationship with the Christmas holiday. Christmas reminds us of friends and loved ones who are no longer with us. While we try to enjoy the beautiful lights and music of the season we also recall difficulties, perhaps with our health, or finances, or remember loved ones going through terrible trials at this time. For most people Christmas brings blessings tinged with sorrows.

Just this morning I was talking to a man about Christmas and he said it was no different than any other day for him. His wife, because of worsening health issues, is now permanently in a nursing home. I tried to consider what that would be like to have Christmas in a silent, lonely household knowing you would ever share another Christmas with your loved one as in the past.

It must have been a difficult world that our Savior was born into. Much of it under the iron boot of Rome. Subject to the whims of a pagan society whose top god was a moody guy tossing around lightning bolts. We can hardly imagine it. There was no Jesus, no forgiveness, no loving heavenly Father revealed to mankind. Just an adherence to laws and sacrifices that were impossible to live up to. The constant fear of what must have seemed an angry God.

But then Jesus came. He brought light, hope, and joy into the world. From the lowliest shepherd to the mightiest king the playing field was leveled. Anyone who placed their faith in the Lord Jesus would find a place in God’s Kingdom. Any sins committed would be pardoned by receiving God’s grace as revealed through the sacrifice of Jesus. No death need ever be endless, but a promised afterlife for all who believe. A kind Savior and a just King had arrived upon the earth, and nothing would be the same afterward.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Thankfully, we do not have to imagine a dark world without Jesus. What’s more, no matter what may be overshadowing our lives during this Christmas season we have a Lord who can bring light into our hearts and lives. He can give meaning to our trials and suffering, and a doorway of hope that can lead us out of despair.

The Christmas season does not always bring colorful lights, shiny bows, and pretty packages our way. It often brings painfully sad memories of loss, and current difficulties and challenges that overshadow our celebrations. Yet, no matter whether happy or sad, Christmas brought more than a single season, it brought a Savior that can turn our inner darkness to light, and bring hope and peace into our sorrows. We have hope of better things to come, something the world did not have until that small child was born in a Bethlehem barn long ago.

I hope you are having a Merry Christmas. But if you are struggling during this season, I would encourage you to remember Jesus. For no matter your sadness or difficulty, there is hope found in the baby boy who became a man and much more. A Savior who redeems us all and gives us an eternal hope that will more than compensate our pain and losses on this earth.

Prayer: Dear Lord, too many struggle with sadness during this time of year. Help us all in our momentary afflictions, and our current trials, to look up to You. For You are our hope and comfort in this difficult world. Amen.