Have you been in pursuit of the busyness this season, and feel like there is a weight you just can’t shake? Like you just may scream if you hear, “have a holly, jolly Christmas” one more time? Ever wondered if maybe there’s something more?
You hear it on the radio, in stores, Hallmark movies, and let’s not mention Karen and her perfect family all smiling in their Christmas sweaters cutting down their Christmas tree at the organic tree farm (is that a thing?) all over social media. Everywhere you go you see and hear words like ‘merry’, ‘jolly’, ‘joyful’, and ‘triumphant’, yet you feel anything but.
Or maybe it’s confusing this year because you’ve always enjoyed the season, but this year has brought the earthly sting of pain, loss, grief, or change. Maybe change in a relationship, a job, loss of a loved one, loss of a home. Circumstances have gotten in the way of you noticing and experiencing the joy that passes understanding.
Eternal joy.
The eternal joy through Christ that brings wholeness, even when circumstances seem dark and emotions seem empty. With our circumstances temporary, we often forget that there is something more; the presence of the Eternal One.
When Jesus is teaching in John 15:11, He says, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”
But for some, this season can magnify unspoken sadness, grief and remembering our losses. There are loved ones you can’t be with, unfulfilled dreams that have passed with another year gone by, and painful memories that this season tends to drudge back up. Perhaps you’re miles away from your family, longing for marriage, children, or family of your own. Or maybe, visiting relatives sparks more holiday blues than holiday cheer. With all the reminders of what this year has not been for you, the joy of Christmas seems out of reach. In a time of year that prioritizes family, it can feel incredibly isolating when visiting relatives is just not an option for you—or, if it is, when it doesn’t feel like a safe or welcoming environment.
Yet, for many who have this Wholeness living on the inside of them, the holidays can be the best time of year. The twinkle of warm lights filling their home, the first snowfall, the smell of fresh garland, vacation days, Hallmark movies, Christmas cookies, and of course, the extra family time makes some people feel all of the Christmas cheer. But there still is something more. All those things are great, but what about eternal joy?
Whatever your story may be, Christmas is a season filled with emotion; good and bad. In the fast-pace of festivities, it can be easy to shove the swell of emotions aside and just get through or do what you need to survive, then feel completely depleted, and empty afterward. Let’s face it, there are some days it’s tempting to pull away from it all and hibernate with a spirit of hygge until January.
Although the feeling of loneliness can seem closer than the presence of your Heavenly Father at times, that thinking pattern will only draw you further away from His love, and the wholeness that is yours simply by being His child.
But there is something more! There is good news!
Good news that came to this earth as a baby, and as our Savior. And His words are filled with promises that bring hope and eternal joy this holiday season.
The Bible offers hope and perspective when our emotions try to pull us back into carrying the heaviness of loneliness that’s magnified through the holidays. God’s Word makes it clear that, although we may feel lonely, we will never actually be alone once we are His. So, when you feel forgotten, lonely, unloved, or down this Christmas, remember the words of the One we truly celebrate this season, Christ himself.
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When God’s presence seems distant: “If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, you would be there to lead me, you would be there to help me. Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me.” –Psalm 139:9, 10 TPT
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When joy seems lost: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” –Romans 15:13 NLT
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When you feel alone or forgotten: “So the Lord answers, “But how could a loving mother forget her nursing child and not deeply love the one she bore? Even if there is a mother who forgets her child, I could never, no never, forget you. Can’t you see?I have carved your name on the palms of my hands! Your walls are always my concern.” –Isaiah 49:15 TPT
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When you’ve lost a loved one, or have an estranged relationship with your biological family: “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” –Psalm 27:10
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When you feel unloved. “The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace.” So says the Lord who loves you.” –Isaiah 54:10 TPT
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When you need to be reminded of who God is: “A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called, “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Eternal Father, ” “Prince of Peace.” –Isaiah 9:6 TPT
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When grief seems unbearable: “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” –Psalm 34:18
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