It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
. . . Not Always! | Listen to the audio version
Scanning the radio for Christmas carols, the car radio blared out,
With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you’ll be of good cheer . . .
As I drove, I sang along to the happy tune and was thankful for the joy I felt in that moment. Yet, I also thought of the many times it didn’t ring true for me. That iconic song doesn’t always ring true for others either. Many people feel a sense of not measuring up to the perfect “Instagram moment” of creating beautiful decorations and dinner tables. They feel pressured to perform at a time of year that is often the busiest time of year. Who needs that extra stress? And for those who are grieving a loss, the joy of the season often amplifies that loss. To cope, people may keep themselves extra busy to ignore their feelings, or choose to ignore the season altogether and just plod on to get through it. For others, there’s a discord in their spirit and they can’t explain why the season creates such sadness. They hear the songs and clamor of the season as they shop, yet, they can’t shake the depression that creeps in. And as a Christian, you may then feel guilty that you don’t feel like celebrating the Lord’s birth. (More pressure!)
Do you relate? Have you been there? Are you there now?
I too have experienced all of those depressing scenarios. As the song played, I was reminded of this eternal truth:
followers of Jesus are sojourners here; we are citizens of another kingdom.
the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;" Philippians 3:20.
Yes, there are joyful, happy moments. But truth is, Christians should feel a sense of discord here. Something isn’t right, because this earth is not our home.
Even so, this really is the most wonderful time of year! Not because of kids jingle belling, much mistletoing, and hearts a-glowing. It’s the most wonderful time of year, because this is when we celebrate God becoming flesh, and bursting forth into humanity to come alongside of us in our sadness and suffering and in our joys too!
This Christmas, let us focus on the true reason for the season: Jesus’ birth was for his death; his death was for our birth! And let us be mindful that whatever difficulty we experience, as followers of Jesus, it won’t always be so. He is coming again. He will wipe away every tear from our eyes. In that day, he will make all things new; everything will be perfect!
Let’s pray: Dear Lord, thank you for coming to earth to save us from our sins. Help us to rejoice in this truth and not get distracted or disheartened by all the noise! Amen.
Copyright 2021 S.A. Keith
Christmas celebration photo credit: Nicole Michalou @unsplash.com
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