By now you've probably begun to receive the Christmas cards, heard the music of the season, seen the social media posts, and can't go a day without reading or hearing the words: "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Holidays!" For many it's the happiest time of the year, and parties, gift-wrapping, and joyful greetings fit right in. Some can't wait to get their tree up, decorate the house, and shop for those they love. Colorful lights, festive displays, special gatherings--it's one day after the next with everything looking, sounding, and feeling merry and bright.
But what if you're just not into it this year? (Or perhaps it's been a few years.) Too much is going on to really enjoy all the busyness, or it's a difficult time due to circumstances you can't change: The loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, employment woes, financial hardship, illness, anxiety, depression, loneliness...Many things can make it seem impossible to find any joy at all, no matter how many Christmas songs you hear or how well-decorated your house is--if you can even bring yourself to turn on the music or hang an ornament on the tree.
For some it's the happiest time of the year, but for others it might be the worst. Many of us probably fit somewhere between the extremes, and some years are better than others. One day brings happiness and joy and feelings of accomplishment for getting things done, while other days leave us feeling exhausted, left-out, or just blue. The reasons might be clear, or they might not. Some moments are wonderful and make the whole season worth it, or perhaps a few high points don't really make up for all the hassle, money spent, and underlying sadness we feel.
Whether you love Christmas, loathe it, or fall somewhere in the middle, most of us can probably use a little perspective. Christmas isn't really meant to be an "all or nothing" experience. It's not supposed to be a time of year to forget all our troubles, nor to endure until it's over. We can see this in the Christmas Story itself. Those involved in the First Christmas when Jesus was born had been through it all. Mary and Joseph had moments of fear, uncertainty, fatigue, weariness, confusion, elation, joy, wonder...the months and days leading up to the night of the Savior's birth were far removed from most of our modern-day festivities. Truly celebrating Jesus isn't about the means or the methods; it's about the message.
The shepherds hurried to see what the angels had told them, and they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Then they told everyone they met, sharing this good news about the Savior who was born, and others caught their excitement and amazement. The shepherds went back to work, glorifying and praising God as they returned to the mundane of everyday life, but they were forever changed--transformed by the message they had heard and whom they had seen: the Promised Messiah, Christ the Lord.
They weren't celebrating because it was tradition. This was something new they had never even known about before that night. They weren't sharing a message out of obligation, but joy and wonder. They were overjoyed to be included in this new thing that had happened. They probably weren't certain of what it all meant, but they knew they would never be the same. Heaven had come to earth! Angels had sung! Hardly a routine night of watching over their flocks.
What did the angels say exactly that can bring us this same joy today? The shepherds knew it wasn't only good news for them but for "all people". It wasn't only for those who had no problems or had never experienced loss--quite the opposite actually. Those who have no needs have no need for a Savior, so we can assume this festive bunch eager to go to their first Christmas gathering were in need of some good news: a light in the darkness.
It was a message of peace. Those who are already content and unbothered by the trials of life would have no need for the comforting words, so again I assume the shepherds were quite familiar with everyday fears, loss, anxiety, hardship, and unrest. They were involved in a dangerous profession, assigned to protect the sheep at all costs (like unfavorable work-hours and risking their lives). They weren't exactly people of privilege and comfortable living.
But what if you're just not into it this year? (Or perhaps it's been a few years.) Too much is going on to really enjoy all the busyness, or it's a difficult time due to circumstances you can't change: The loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, employment woes, financial hardship, illness, anxiety, depression, loneliness...Many things can make it seem impossible to find any joy at all, no matter how many Christmas songs you hear or how well-decorated your house is--if you can even bring yourself to turn on the music or hang an ornament on the tree.
For some it's the happiest time of the year, but for others it might be the worst. Many of us probably fit somewhere between the extremes, and some years are better than others. One day brings happiness and joy and feelings of accomplishment for getting things done, while other days leave us feeling exhausted, left-out, or just blue. The reasons might be clear, or they might not. Some moments are wonderful and make the whole season worth it, or perhaps a few high points don't really make up for all the hassle, money spent, and underlying sadness we feel.
Whether you love Christmas, loathe it, or fall somewhere in the middle, most of us can probably use a little perspective. Christmas isn't really meant to be an "all or nothing" experience. It's not supposed to be a time of year to forget all our troubles, nor to endure until it's over. We can see this in the Christmas Story itself. Those involved in the First Christmas when Jesus was born had been through it all. Mary and Joseph had moments of fear, uncertainty, fatigue, weariness, confusion, elation, joy, wonder...the months and days leading up to the night of the Savior's birth were far removed from most of our modern-day festivities. Truly celebrating Jesus isn't about the means or the methods; it's about the message.
"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day...a savior which is Christ the Lord...Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
(Luke 2:10,11,14)
(Luke 2:10,11,14)
Angels proclaimed these words to shepherds who were nearby, and they were invited to come and see this great thing that had happened, but I doubt these shepherds were the "merry and bright" sort. They were likely tired, hard-working, underpaid servants. They had never seen a Christmas light, Hallmark Christmas movie, or an ornately decorated tree, but they were the first to hear Christmas music. I'm sure it was a beautiful sound and marvelous sight, but the most beautiful thing about it was the Good News, the same message that is true for us today.
The shepherds hurried to see what the angels had told them, and they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Then they told everyone they met, sharing this good news about the Savior who was born, and others caught their excitement and amazement. The shepherds went back to work, glorifying and praising God as they returned to the mundane of everyday life, but they were forever changed--transformed by the message they had heard and whom they had seen: the Promised Messiah, Christ the Lord.
They weren't celebrating because it was tradition. This was something new they had never even known about before that night. They weren't sharing a message out of obligation, but joy and wonder. They were overjoyed to be included in this new thing that had happened. They probably weren't certain of what it all meant, but they knew they would never be the same. Heaven had come to earth! Angels had sung! Hardly a routine night of watching over their flocks.
What did the angels say exactly that can bring us this same joy today? The shepherds knew it wasn't only good news for them but for "all people". It wasn't only for those who had no problems or had never experienced loss--quite the opposite actually. Those who have no needs have no need for a Savior, so we can assume this festive bunch eager to go to their first Christmas gathering were in need of some good news: a light in the darkness.
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
good will toward men."
and on earth peace,
good will toward men."
It was a message of peace. Those who are already content and unbothered by the trials of life would have no need for the comforting words, so again I assume the shepherds were quite familiar with everyday fears, loss, anxiety, hardship, and unrest. They were involved in a dangerous profession, assigned to protect the sheep at all costs (like unfavorable work-hours and risking their lives). They weren't exactly people of privilege and comfortable living.
Being invited to the birth of a king was definitely a one-time event. They weren't rich, noble, or of any real value to society. They had an important job but could be easily replaced. But to God? They were worthy of a hope-filled message: God's Good Will Toward Men!
Whatever you are facing this Christmas, whether its pure joy or much hardship, remember: Jesus came for you. He came to bring you life and carry your burdens. He came to give you peace, rest, hope, and whatever you need--today, tomorrow, and always. No matter how you celebrate the season, remember...He sees you. He loves you. He is with you, and you are never alone.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs...those who mourn will be comforted...the humble will inherit the earth."
"I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
--Jesus
Luke 2:10,11,14 taken from KJV. Jesus quotes taken from Matthew 11:28-29, John 10:27-28, John 8:12 (NIV);
Matthew 5:3-5 (paraphrase mine)
Photos courtesy of Freeimages.com
His favor.
His love.
Forgiveness.
Peace.
The Gift of His Son.
His Kingdom.
They weren't forgotten, they were included.
They weren't invisible, they were seen.
They weren't dispensable, they were valued.
They weren't lost, but found.
They weren't condemned, but loved.
Whatever you are facing this Christmas, whether its pure joy or much hardship, remember: Jesus came for you. He came to bring you life and carry your burdens. He came to give you peace, rest, hope, and whatever you need--today, tomorrow, and always. No matter how you celebrate the season, remember...He sees you. He loves you. He is with you, and you are never alone.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs...those who mourn will be comforted...the humble will inherit the earth."
"I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
--Jesus
Luke 2:10,11,14 taken from KJV. Jesus quotes taken from Matthew 11:28-29, John 10:27-28, John 8:12 (NIV);
Matthew 5:3-5 (paraphrase mine)
Photos courtesy of Freeimages.com
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