Comfort and Joy
At first the magic of Christmas is strong. There is a comfort and joy known, a fun anticipation to the countdown. Holiday traditions evoke delight. And the secrecy in the air has our minds excitedly trying to guess what’s coming. These, all wrapped up in the atmosphere of family, create memories that carry us through the holidays in future years.
Then as adults, the enchantment of the holidays become muted by responsibilities. We understand that the delight we experienced as kids came by the efforts of the grown-ups in our lives. An anxious search for the right gifts, stretched finances, and squeezing a lot into a short amount of time replaces the comfort and joy of youth.
The Holidays After Loss
And eventually we face Christmas with the loss of loved ones, which becomes a great burden to the season. The very memories that once evoked joy in years past become the trigger that darkens this joyful time of year.
Trepidation cloaks each holiday after the passing of those special to us. We are torn between what we want to feel, what’s expected, and what is truly tearing at our hearts. Those we fondly remember will no longer be with us. We can’t share time, love, or celebrations with them anymore, and the hurt is grave.
The Gift of Comfort and Joy
A celebration of a life united with God is what Christmas is all about. Comfort found in freedom, peace, and joy is the gift God gave us that special day long ago. This was the purpose of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, to allow us access to our Father in an intimate relationship. Within this Spiritual bond, God imparts His Spirit to share His strength, wisdom, and love.
Therefore, rather than be dismayed or cast down, look to God. Allow His comfort and joy to console your heart and temper your sadness so that you can sense the true supernatural magic of Christmas, as He intended.
God’s peace,
Rebecca
To read of a Christmastime during which I was struggling under a heavy weight but received a freeing revelation from God, read I Heard the Bells.