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Not in the mood for Christmas?

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A friend of mine reminded me last week that Christmas is not a joyful time of year for everyone.  People who have lost loved ones, have health conditions, financial problems or family troubles often struggle finding happiness at Christmastime.   I wonder if this Christmas is a difficult time for you.  I wonder if you dread this upcoming holiday; not because you do not love Jesus, but because your life is not what you would like for it to be this year.

Christmas 2005:  my life was not what I wanted it to be.  I was facing an illness I was not sure I would ever recover from.  I was dreadfully sick and after seeing multiple doctors, I could not get better.  There were no answers.  There was little hope that I would fully recover.  Christmas was coming and I was not ready.   My kids were very little (9 months and 3 years).  I was supposed to be having the time of my life.  Instead, I spent most of my time in the bathroom because of this sickness and I was not feeling up to the holidays.  As people were decorating their trees and buying gifts for their family and friends, I was stuck on the couch, crying out to the Lord.  I was asking Him questions like, “Lord, what do you want me to learn from this?”  “How can anything good come from this situation?”  “God, please heal me so I can get my life back!”  I was depressed.  I was anxious.  I was not in the mood for Christmas.

No matter what has gone on in your life this year, there is a reason to celebrate Christmas.  Even if you do not feel up to all of the festivities, you can find something to be thankful for this season.  One thing that helped me get through Christmas of 2005 was by reminding myself that God loved me.  Combing through my Bible to find verses of God’s love was critical for me that year.  I needed to remember His great love for me.  I needed to remember that nothing could separate me from His love!  His love is constant.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.    -Romans 8:38-39

Christmas is all about love so as you begin to gear up for the holidays, I hope you will focus on God’s love for you!  God sent His son into this world to save you.  He sent Jesus as a tiny baby who would ultimately end up hanging on a wooden cross to suffer and die for you.  He took all of your sins and bore them for you.  He paid the penalty for your mistakes.  God made a way for you to spend eternity with Him.  Regardless of your current situation, isn’t that reason to celebrate?

Life is hard, but life is also temporary.  We will only suffer for a little while, and then we will be with Him.  When life gets you down, my friend, try to focus on how much God loves you.  Do not put your hope in other people.  Do not put your hope in the things of this world.  Do not put your hope in money, food, success or your job.  Put your hope in Christ.  He is your Savior.  He is your hope!   

Don’t miss Christmas this year.  Embrace Jesus.  Embrace thankfulness.  Embrace love.

Thanks for stopping by today!

-Joy

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