The Christmas Blues

A decorated pinecone from our son when he was in kindergarten and a wonderful ornament made by my friend, Violet.  : )

I thought I could get through this Christmas without the blues, but I can't.  Try as I might to act as if I'm happy and contented, I just can't get over the feeling of being down.  There is just WAY too much happening in our lives and in the lives of others to be joyful about.  I know joy is a choice.  We CAN choose to be joyful no matter what the circumstances, but, really, sometimes joy seems downright inappropriate.  When there are family problems, death of family members, friends going through such difficult things, unemployment, and personal struggles, it's more of a heavy sigh.  All the Christmas music in the world, all the beautiful decorations, all the lights, all the presents and the good food, doesn't fill those parts within that ache and hurt.  They can't fill the loneliness.  They can't make someone well again.  They can't bring back the people you miss.  They can't pay the bills when there is no money coming in.

But those things - the music, the decorations, the lights, the presents, the good food - will help SOMEONE.  In a time when thinking of others is important, the things we do at Christmas doesn't necessarily mean it's for us.  It doesn't necessarily mean that it will make me joyful, but what if it brings joy to my husband?  Or our son?  Or our friends?  Or, our neighbors?  What if they, like us, are going through a difficult time and need something of beauty to look at and enjoy?  I looked up the definition of "enjoy" and read - "to have for one's benefit."  So, though I may be down about all the circumstances that are upon us right now, I need to give myself permission to feel it and work through it and continue to bring it to the Lord in prayer and read His Word for insight and comfort.  I need to keep on with everything "for the benefit of others."  

AND, I need to remember Luke 2, verses 10 and 11 - "But the angel said to them 'Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great JOY (emphasis mine) that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'"  And then pray Psalm 51, verse 12 - "Restore to me the JOY (again emphasis mine) of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

May you find peace for your souls as you go about preparing for this Christmas.  Thank you for stopping by.