My heart goes out today to those who will be celebrating a "different kind of Christmas" this year. Most of us have traditions around our Holiday celebrations which give us a normalcy to Christmas that we look forward to and enjoy. But perhaps throughout 2010 the circumstances of your life have been altered and you are going into Christmas this year with that plaguing thought that it just won't be the same. For you it is going to be a "different kind of Christmas," and as a result, you are really having trouble getting excited about it. So why might people be heading into a "different kind of a Christmas" this year?
Maybe you have recently lost a loved one and this will be your first Christmas without their presence, their smile, their laugh and their embrace.
Maybe you have a loved one who is terminally ill and suffering and you realize that this will be your last Christmas spent with them - even in their pain.
Maybe your marriage broke up since last December 25th and this will be your first Christmas without a spouse and perhaps even sharing the kids.
Maybe it was your parents who split up this past year and this will be your first Christmas without mom and dad both being around the Christmas tree with you.
Maybe you lost your job over the past year like so many in our country have and this will be one of the leanest Holidays you have ever experienced as you struggle to make ends meet and wonder what the future holds for you and your family.
Maybe you've moved since last Christmas or have had a loved one stationed abroad and you will be spending Christmas this year without being with your family - maybe even spending it alone.
Maybe you have been diagnosed with a serious illness this past year yourself and you are entering this Christmas scared and anxious.
For any of the above reasons or a host of others, perhaps you are reading this blog posting realizing that this year it is going to be a "different kind of Christmas." If that is you, my heart really does go out to you today as do my prayers. So may I offer just one thought of encouragement to you? All of the above scenarios our circumstances that have changed in our life, right? Your circumstances since last Christmas have changed - and it seems for the worst. But Christmas isn't about circumstances - it is about Christ! Remember what the angel told Joseph when he revealed to him that the baby Mary was carrying was from God? He said, "You will name Him Jesus!"
Yes, it will be a "different kind of Christmas" for many of you this year as well as for me. But as hard as the circumstances you face are to deal with, maybe - just maybe - it can produce a Christmas that you will one day look back on with some of your fondest of memories. Why? Because maybe - just maybe - this will be the Christmas where you focus more on Christ who is the one aspect of your life that hasn't changed! He is the same yesterday, today and forever. May God bless you this Christmas, in spite of your difficult circumstances, with a peace that passes all understanding and may He guard your heart (how you feel) and your mind (how you think) in Christ Jesus.
Maybe you have recently lost a loved one and this will be your first Christmas without their presence, their smile, their laugh and their embrace.
Maybe you have a loved one who is terminally ill and suffering and you realize that this will be your last Christmas spent with them - even in their pain.
Maybe your marriage broke up since last December 25th and this will be your first Christmas without a spouse and perhaps even sharing the kids.
Maybe it was your parents who split up this past year and this will be your first Christmas without mom and dad both being around the Christmas tree with you.
Maybe you lost your job over the past year like so many in our country have and this will be one of the leanest Holidays you have ever experienced as you struggle to make ends meet and wonder what the future holds for you and your family.
Maybe you've moved since last Christmas or have had a loved one stationed abroad and you will be spending Christmas this year without being with your family - maybe even spending it alone.
Maybe you have been diagnosed with a serious illness this past year yourself and you are entering this Christmas scared and anxious.
For any of the above reasons or a host of others, perhaps you are reading this blog posting realizing that this year it is going to be a "different kind of Christmas." If that is you, my heart really does go out to you today as do my prayers. So may I offer just one thought of encouragement to you? All of the above scenarios our circumstances that have changed in our life, right? Your circumstances since last Christmas have changed - and it seems for the worst. But Christmas isn't about circumstances - it is about Christ! Remember what the angel told Joseph when he revealed to him that the baby Mary was carrying was from God? He said, "You will name Him Jesus!"
Yes, it will be a "different kind of Christmas" for many of you this year as well as for me. But as hard as the circumstances you face are to deal with, maybe - just maybe - it can produce a Christmas that you will one day look back on with some of your fondest of memories. Why? Because maybe - just maybe - this will be the Christmas where you focus more on Christ who is the one aspect of your life that hasn't changed! He is the same yesterday, today and forever. May God bless you this Christmas, in spite of your difficult circumstances, with a peace that passes all understanding and may He guard your heart (how you feel) and your mind (how you think) in Christ Jesus.
It will be a different Christmas this year. I decorated, but changed the way I did things. Things may be different but I still enjoy hearing all the music,shopping, baking and all the things that go with Christmas. Will be a little lonely this year but I still have my God to get me through and that won't be different. Pat
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord, Pat, for your sweet spirit and your confidence in the Lord! Know that you and your family will be in our prayers this Christmas season.
ReplyDeleteBoy you hit the nail on the head! My Dad went to be with the LORD just last week. Marsha and I both are a bit overwhelmed. Thanks for your prayers and encouragment. We are so thankful we know he is with Jesus this Christmas season and he is healed.
ReplyDeleteJanice Hilt
Hi Janice! So sorry to hear about your dad. Imagine - he gets to celebrate Christmas in heaven this year! While we are bowing our hearts to our Savior, he will be bowing his knee before Him at His throne! Please give our love to Marsha as well! Both of your families are special to us! Blessings to all of you!
ReplyDeleteI love how you have taken what can be very negative and changed it to something positive...the fact that change and things being different can help us focus more on God and what Christmas is truly about. I know my Christmas will be different because I won't be hearing you preach and that saddens me. I wish you and Laura and Joy and Jonathan all the best and have a Very Blessed Christmas.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb! It is so good to hear from you. Thank you for your very kind words and for your encouragement. Blessings to you and may your Christmas this year be filled with worship of Jesus!
ReplyDelete