I remember putting the Christmas decorations away a year ago with a feeling of sadness and trepidation. Holding tightly to a paper snowflake my granddaughter had made, it was as if I was trying to hold everything together.
Sadly, the weeks that followed were met with heartache and grief, the very things we’d prayed against. Perhaps it’s the reason why I haven’t had the heart to pull out the decorations this year. Christmas doesn’t feel as merry, and I’m struggling to find the motivation to do the things I usually do.
The good thing is I’m praying more than ever, leaning into the Scriptures daily, and seeking the joy of the Lord as my strength. These have been key in navigating the sorrow and disappointment, and I know they’ll continue to be key in the healing process.
What about you, my friend? If Christmas doesn’t feel as merry this year, and you’re wondering how to move forward with joy, here are a few encouragements to keep in mind.
It’s Only Temporary
I keep repeating to myself, “This season is only temporary.” I know without doubt there will be a day when I’ll be able to take a full breath and exhale every last bit of worry and grief. I’ll be able to look back and see how God worked through every tear, every disappointment, and every “unanswered” prayer.
My friend, whatever you’re going through is temporal. Nothing on this earth lasts forever. You can trust God to bring you through and help you grow despite the pain. In fact, focusing on growth and maturity can redirect your attention to what matters most.
Here are a few helpful questions to contemplate:
Is this situation building my faith?
Am I learning something new?
Am I stronger than I was before?
Would I have made necessary changes if it weren’t for this trial?
Putting things into perspective – God’s perspective – is a powerful way to endure the trial. If you can partner with what God is working out in you, it will be easier to accept the situation as temporary.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the unseen things. For the things that are seen are transient, but the unseen things are eternal.” (ESV)
Be encouraged that this un-merry season will not last forever. The Lord is working all things out for your good and His glory. Trust Him to bring you through, stronger and more faithful than before.
Heavenly Father, open my eyes to Your eternal purpose, helping me see this trial as temporary. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
God Meets You Where You Are
The conversations I’ve had with God lately have been more honest and open than ever before. I’ve cried, pleaded, and even questioned, which is something I don’t typically do. But what I’ve realized is that our Good Father meets us right where we are. With love and grace, He invites us to sit at His feet and tell Him all about our fears and failures.
What comfort it is to know that we don’t have to reach a certain level of faith to commune with the Lord. We can come just as we are to the throne of grace and find mercy in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 (AMP) says it this way: “Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”
The blessed privilege of entering God’s holy presence is nothing to take for granted. We can approach His throne with confidence because of who we are in His Son, Jesus. There is no fear of rejection, denial, or dismissal. Our merciful Father lavishes us with divine love and blessing – the blessing of His amazing grace.
This Christmas, take your worries, hurts, and disappointments to the One who loves you and meets you right where you are. He is waiting for you with open arms.
Holy God, thank You for the open invitation to meet with You. I sit expectantly at Your feet, wrapped in Your beautiful robe of righteousness and peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
You Can Believe in Greater Things
Even though Christmas doesn’t feel as merry this year, you can still believe God for greater things. This is called “hope.”
Here are some Scriptures to help strengthen your hope and belief in what God can do:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13 ESV)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)
Dare to trust God for greater things. Beyond the pain of your current situation, believe He can bring beauty from ashes and gladness from mourning. He is your kind and gracious Father who loves to bless His children. Put your hope in Him.
Lord, even though it’s difficult to see beyond this moment, I believe You are paving the way for a brighter path. My hope is in You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
There Are Merry Ways to Celebrate
This might be the year to branch out and try new ways to celebrate. If you’re accustomed to staying home for Christmas, consider taking a short road trip or embarking on an international excursion. If you’re typically the one who hosts the holiday dinner, consider passing it on to another family member. Doing things differently might be just what you need to recuperate and rediscover joy.
Here are a few more ideas to bring the “merry” back into Christmas:
• Drive through an outdoor nativity display, or attend a festive parade.
• Go ice skating or snowshoeing.
• Play “Santa” to a family in need.
• Serve at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter on Christmas morning.
Sometimes, changing our routine can help us snap out of sadness or melancholy. By trying something new, doing something out of the ordinary, or focusing on others, we can navigate a tough holiday season with moments of unexpected joy.
My friend, whatever is stealing your joy this Christmas, please know you’re not alone. Many people are walking through grief right now. However, remember that it’s only temporary. God is with you through it all; you can trust Him for greater things.
Gracious Heavenly Father, I pray for the person reading this today that You would shine the light of Your love in their heart and give them the peace they seek. No matter what they’re facing, please remind them You are with them and have not forsaken them. Work all things out for their Good, Lord, and restore to them what has been lost. In Jesus’ wonderful name, amen.
More Helpful Resources for Your Journey:
When
Christmas Doesn’t Feel Very Merry
10
Christmas Prayers to Pray this Holiday Season
5
Ways to Combat the Blues During the Holiday Season
Photo credit: Unsplash/freestocks
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
