“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”But amidst all the parties for hosting and marshmallows for toasting—let’s face it—Christmastime can make us feel more like Charlie Brown than Linus. Despite the joy of the season, we cannot escape the sadness of the moment.
I read that the other day on Darrin Patrick’s blog, and it struck a Christmasy chord. I think it struck me because we do all know, or at least are compelled, to think of this season as the “most wonderful” time of the year. But that’s not always the case, is it?
The holidays don’t always bring out the best, most jolliest feelings in us—do they? Often (primarily?) the holidays bring up past memories of broken relationships, or lost relationships. The holidays bring out the inner stress demons that are raging inside of us. It’s as given as Rudolph’s red nose that we will fail, or fall short in some way, of having as happy of a Christmas as we are hoping.
And that’s ok.
It's important to also remember that if you’re feeling this way, chances are your children have echoes of this going on inside of them as well.
In the face of the sadness and not-so-great feelings that surface during our Christmas season, it is important to remember, and verbalize as families...
Jesus was born in a messy manger and he isn’t afraid to encounter us in our messy lives. He comes to bring joy to sad places, including our hearts. So let’s refuse to drown our sadness in consumerism and eggnog this year. Let’s remind ourselves that there is a King who came and is coming to wipe away every tear.
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