Unhappy Holidays

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:17-18 

December ushers in the Christmas season. Everyone is wonderfully happy and selfless, or so the retail marketers and filmmakers would like us to believe. The commercials and movies show pictures of smiling people baking Christmas cookies and selecting the perfect gift. All the houses are elaborately decorated both inside and out. A mound of gifts waiting to be opened lies under a beautifully adorned Christmas tree as the problem-free family congregates.

Amid the stockings and mistletoe, things aren’t always merry and bright.

Perhaps you’ve experienced the loss of someone special, as a friend of mine has. As the holiday season approaches, sorrow descends upon her like a weighted net.

Anger, hurt and disappointment may creep in from past experiences. Christmas brings remembrances of a brutal attack for one person I know. 

Pressures to provide gifts and a nice Christmas dinner for the family can increase anxiety, hopelessness, and financial hardships. 

Separation due to incarceration, divorce, or family dysfunction may leave us feeling empty and incomplete.

If any of this rings true for you, remember that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Jesus is near to us and knows our sadness, fears, and disappointments. Cry out to Him. He cares deeply. The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them (Psalm 34:17). He will comfort us and walk with us through the struggles of this season. 

We may not be in a hard place this year, but we may know someone trying to muddle through the holidays with a heavy heart. We can reach out with a helping hand, an open pocketbook, or comforting arms. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

Jesus, I ask for your presence and strength this holiday season. Hold us in your everlasting arms.

Terri