Christmas is a wonderful season of the year. Family, friends, carols, gifts, decorations, they all bring joy and blessings. But for some people, this is a tough time of year. If you are alone, or estranged from one or more family members, when you see all of the emphasis on family and togetherness, it is harder to keep yourself distracted from the reality of your situation. You don't even have to turn on the Hallmark Channel to be faced with sappy Christmas stories highlighting love, family, and togetherness. I remember meeting with someone a few years ago who would always go into a dark depression starting with Thanksgiving and not ending until the New Year. His marriage was struggling, he was estranged from most of his children, so for him, the contrast between what others had and what he didn't have was very stark.
Many of us have lost a loved one during this time of year. If this is the case for you, then Thanksgiving and Christmas remind you of that loss. And because of what this season represents, it makes the loss of your loved one at this time of year even tougher to deal with.
Am I writing this to be a Christmas kill joy? No, I am looking forward to celebrating Christmas with my family. But I am also going to be praying harder for those who find this a tougher time of year. I want to reach out to them as well. Do you know someone who is hurting? Invite them over, or do something to let them know that you care. It may just be the very best gift you give this Christmas.
Blessings,
Dr. Paul
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