“but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’” (Luke 2:10-11, NLT)
Christmas is drawing near. There’s lights to see, shopping to do, mountains of sweets to conquer. Then, there are greetings to send and the office party to go to and cookies to bake—oh, my. It’s the best time of the year, right? Not for everyone.
Growing up, I loved the feeling of the holiday and the excitement of it all. My parents always made sure that Christmas was special with the presents, decorations, and all the yummy goodies to eat. I loved the anticipation of wondering what was in the wrapped gifts under the tree.
So, I was always dumbfounded when people said how they dreaded Christmas coming again—even hated it. How could anyone be downhearted during this holiday with so much fun tradition surrounding it?
I get it now. As an adult, I understand why this is not the best time of year for all people. Many struggle with handling all the good tidings they see others immersed in. They may not feel happy at all—in fact, they may be trying to just make it through while in a haze of depression. They don’t want to deck the halls, and there is no joy in their world at the moment. All the twinkling lights may only magnify the darkness they feel.
What about the wife facing the first Christmas without her husband? Or, the man who has been looking for work for months and is struggling to provide for his family? Loss and troubles are a part of living throughout the year, but Christmas time can intensify emotions and deepen sorrows.
The Lord knows your heart. Whatever your story was before and whatever it is now—God’s act of sending His Son, Jesus, to us as a baby trumps all. Because of His life here on this earth, we can live in victory no matter what we face. We can be assured if He loved us enough to leave all the glory of heaven to come as a vulnerable baby, He surely will be by our side even when things get tough. We can agree with what the angels told the shepherds that night—it truly is good news.
So, remember those you know who are dealing with some difficulties this year. Reach out to them, if you can. Visit someone who is lonely or perhaps take a meal to a needy family. Let them know there is hope and that someone cares. “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:17, NAS) Or, if you are personally struggling this Christmas, take heart and try to focus on the ultimate gift that God gave over 2000 years ago. He loves you so much and wants to fill you with His peace and joy!
In His Name, Tammy
©2012 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved
*Please check out my fictional account, “My Christmas Story – the Miracle of a Baby” under the Fictional Stories tab on the left side of the home page of this web site.
