There’s always that question, “How did you get through this?” Now, the ‘this’ in your life can or could be the loss of a loved one. Or you lost a friend. Or the words cancer. Or the phrase divorce crept into your life. Or the fact your family might not be the reflection of perfection that jumps at you from the posts and photos portrayed on Facebook or in other areas. The conflict of wishing for a great life shoots at you like a star blazing across your heart. And, as you know, pain and sorrow and hurting days land like a sleigh of dread and you wish Christmas was over.
At Christmas, you may be alone. Or feel alone. Or long for laughter. Or eggnog. Or cuddles. Or presents. Or someone who is gone.
Or maybe you belong to a family that surrounds themselves with hope, joy, and plenty of I love you moments. But not everyone has such days because life is harder than we wish.
And the reality is thoughts jump into your mind and heart like shooting stars that burn up your joy. You experience pain, worry, and struggle. Some of you deal with those thoughts, more so during the holiday. You may feel weary at not living up to expectations. Or at how your life has played out so far.
You can’t imagine baking cookies, decorating your home, or buying gifts. Or putting up a tree. Or singing carols and or hanging that wreath.
And the whispers of sadness linger near your ears—like broken candy canes and melted snowmen. Sticky. Ugly. Messy. Like black coal in a package with your name on it.
And yet, you long for some holiday cheer, but at every turn—someone reminds you how your family doesn’t fit on the preverbal Christmas card. And you feel you don’t belong, and that jumps at you. And then you disappear into your world—where life sings a song tossing more black coal at you.
It’s as if you’re fading into the shadows without purpose. As you doubt. And you wonder. As you wish away December.
I’m here to challenge, stir, and encourage you to find someone who needs you.
That’s right, someone near you hurts; far away there’s a lonely child, there’s someone you’ve never met who could use encouragement. Find someone who could use your kindness or friendship. Give way the love you long for, and embrace a person who needs fellowship. And hugs. And a smile.
It can start with one card, one moment, where you reach out to another person—who feels like you do—who’s hiding in the obscurity of social media. Or hiding in plain sight!
Now, buy that card—write something to an old friend or a new friend—and do it on purpose. Go knock on that door. Look across the church pew for the widow. Reach for the child who has no Christmas tree. And sure, you don’t feel like it, but because Christ can shine through you—in all your worry, sadness, or imperfect life. When another person has joy, it lands on you too!
After all, the perfection of Christmas is Jesus, and He came for you! Which means you are not alone. And He came for your silent nights and lonely days. He brings us to Himself to give us hope beyond the lights and color and false hope that can often slip into the holiday season.
He’s there to give us joy in the morning, a song when all seems stuck on the Christmas tree of life— when the sounds of sadness and sorrow cloud the truth of His love. And never forget, Jesus Christ came in that manger with hope beneath a shining star to guide us along the path toward Him.
This Christmas, guide someone to the Savior. Point them to Bethlehem. Be a friend who rises from the ashes and spreads cheer and good tidings.
After all, Jesus came on a midnight clear for you! To make all things new.
