Merry Christmas everyone!
For some it is very Merry, for others it is a VERY sad time due to losses in their life. I try and think about this and remember that for some that have lost loved ones during Christmas or in December that it is a hard holiday. I have a friend that passed away in a car accident when we were right out of high school it was around this time of year. Her brother committed suicide 1 year later during Christmas. He just couldn’t take it! It grieves me to think of these sweet parents losing both of their children right at Christmas time. I learned later that their first child was born with a significant health problem and passed away before going home from the hospital. How sad for them! I can’t imagine losing all of your children before they were even in their 20’s. Unbelievable!
I’ve also watched this same couple take their sadness and find a way to weep with others that hurt. I’ve seen them take this experience and reach out to other families that have lost teens and young adults in accidents or that have taken their lives. They will tell you it is NOT easy, but they believe that their children are in heaven and they will see them again. I still get a Christmas card yearly, however, they go on trips during this season and keep busy. They are an amazing inspiration of turning their sadness into joy. Oh that beautiful joy that can only come from above!
For a lot of people it is a Merry occasion in celebrating the hope of Christmas! For some, it is a simple celebration of Santa or Saint Nicolas delivering gifts. It is children leaving behind Santa cookies and hoping for all of their Christmas wishes.
For Christians, it is the celebration of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He is the reason for this season! It is the hope that one day we will be in heaven worshiping at His feet and singing praise to our God. That’s what Christmas hope is.
Christmas may be healing if we reach out to those that have experienced significant loss. Invite them to celebrate with your family. Let them know that we can have joy in Him who gives it.
Luke 2:10, 11 “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced…the Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord– has been born.”
