Tag: Christmas

Posted on in Spirituality

Silent Night

The season of Christmas is typically full of fun, good wishes, and loving exchange. From the music to the gatherings, Christmas is all about joy and peace on earth. Yet, there is a part of the holiday season that is rarely spoken of; the darker side.

To the widower, Christmas might be a lonely time of memories that comes with tears. To the empty nester, it’s truly a silent night. To the mother and father who have lost a child, it might be a struggle to see other families having what they can no longer experience. To the orphan, maybe another year of hope for a family that feels as though it’s slipping away. To the broken hearted, the sentiment of the season might be lost from their sight. The truth is there are many people who are struggling every day and Christmas is no different. There is no Santa Clause and there is no magic to make life easy.

That is quite a depressing reality. However, I don’t believe that the pain of life comes without hope. In fact, the stories of Santa Clause do not hold a candle to the true gift of Jesus. “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

I recently saw a statement (author unknown) which said, “The first Christmas was simple. Yours can be too.” It was in the spirit of minimalism and speaking against consumerism and the commercial and material driven holiday. It stuck with me. When everything else is out of place or falling apart, when people disappoint, when expectations fail; Jesus is enough. This is a fitting concept for Christmas but certainly it applies to everything else! When I look away from what truly matters, before long nothing really matters. Yet, when I focus on everything I have in my Savior, all the troubles and heartache of the world fade to the background.

So tonight and for the many silent nights ahead; I am grateful for True Love and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.

Posted on in Spirituality

Hope in a Dark World.

It’s a week before Christmas. This season of holiday time and festivities elicits the image of a bustling, happy home full of family and food. Gifts are plentiful and people gather round a warm fireplace or couch for conversations and shared memories. Many a Hallmark movie would have us believe that this is the standard of acceptable activity in the coming week. There is peace on earth and good tidings everywhere!

What if that image doesn’t fit your home, your family, or your outlook? What if you aren’t “okay” this moment or this season? What if realities like loneliness, grief, broken relationship, poverty, abuse, addiction, or depression are closer than peace on earth? For many, this is a season of getting through, pressing on, or hoping for a better tomorrow.

If you don’t feel merry and bright in this moment, that’s okay. You’re not alone and you’re not defined by your emotions. Emotions serve to communicate something; whether an indicator to us internally or an expression of the internal to someone on the outside. They are useful and good but they are not in control. It’s okay to feel and it’s okay to act according to the reality you choose even if that doesn’t follow your emotions. Decision and action are powerful means to affect reality, as reality is largely perception.

There is one decision that stands forefront in the hearts of humankind which has the power to affect perception and reality like none other; to accept the gift of grace that God freely gives which provides peace and hope. This decision is yours despite your circumstances or emotions.
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13.