A Not So Merry Christmas Remedy

For many of us, Christmas is a time of great anticipation. We can’t wait for family
to gather. We look forward to the gift opening, whether it’s gifts we’re receiving or gifts we’re giving, it’s a lot of fun. Great meals, catching up on life, continuing traditions, are all things that help make Christmas special.

But that’s not true for everyone. For some, it’s a painful reminder of the loved one they lost during the last year. For others, the downturn in the economy has made gifts, big meals and celebrations much more difficult if not impossible and a cause for concern. For still others, broken families and the holiday house shuffle means lots of uncomfortable gatherings and situations. They can’t wait for the holidays to end.

How can one turn a Christmas sneer into Christmas cheer?

Don’t stay shut in alone

Often times when we’re hurting, missing loved ones or depressed, we shut
ourselves in and we end up feeling sad and sorry for ourselves. And the problem just seems to worsen. Force yourself to get out, visit with family and or friends, even if it’s for a limited time. Get a breath of fresh air and sunlight.

Serve

Look to do a random act of kindness - help out at a soup kitchen, visit at a nursing home, look in on a shut in, use your gifts and abilities to help others. When we stay focused on ourselves and all the things that we’re missing or that are causing our pain, we can’t help but be depressed and down. When we get out and find that there are others who are hurting too (and often more than we are) and that there’s something we can do to help them through or that we can help relieve their pain, we find a blessing in being used by God to bring someone else a little sunshine.

Be the solution

If you have to go into those situations where there’s already strife, determine in your heart that you’re not going to continue to be a part of the problem, but that you’re going to be a part of the solution. You can’t choose what others are going to say or how they’re going to act, but you can decide that you’re going to be uplifting, encouraging and pleasant. Ephesians 4:29-32 are filled with guidelines to being someone who acts on problems instead of reacts.

Remember 

If you’re not able to get out and about, instead of focusing on what you can’t enjoy this year, reminisce about the good Christmases you’ve had in the past and thank the Lord for those people and those memories. 

The Babe in the manger didn’t bring immediate blessing for anyone but Joseph and Mary. In fact, there was much grief in Israel as Herod began a slaughter of first born male children trying to weed out this successor to his throne. But as the angel told Mary, He would one day save His people from their sin. Draw
near to God during these difficult days, and His promise is that He will draw
near to you. (James 4:8)

Merry Christmas. Really.

, 3225 W. 96th Street, is hosting a candlelight Christmas Eve service, Saturday Dec. 24, 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.