I didn’t realize there was really such a thing as a blue Christmas. Elvis touched hearts many years ago with a song about spending Christmas without the one he loved, but there actually is a day on the calendar set aside for Blue Christmas. It’s December 21, which is also the longest day of the year and the beginning of the winter solstice. There are many reasons to be joyful during this season as we prepare for the birth of our Savior, Jesus, but there are also times when we don’t feel so happy or sentimental. In fact, our emotions can run like the highs and lows of a rollercoaster. Some of those memories stir thoughts of those who are no longer with us. We remember happy times together as a family. There are thoughts of Christmases when there was more than enough and those that were comprised of homemade gifts and a simple meal together.
Jesus was born as a human baby on Christmas. He grew up like any other human child – worked beside His stepfather – played with other children – skinned His knees – and laughed and cried like children do. He grew into a man of sorrows, experiencing all the ups and downs that we do. This was part of His mission. He came to live among us and share in our sad times as well as the good ones. He knew and continues to know the human experience. He was aware of God’s plan for humanity and willingly laid down His life for all of us. A greater love than man has ever known.
There will still be times that Christmas brings on more of the sad, depressed, overwhelmed feelings than we’d like. We often pray that the season will go by quickly and we don’t have to feel the tugging at our heartstrings. Yet, we must honor the God/Man, Jesus who came to reconcile us to God the Father. This is the way it had to be, because there was no way we could purchase our redemption. Because of His mercy, love and sacrifice, we have a clear path to heaven – a place where there are no tears, no pain, no sorrow – only joy.
There is no doubt that Christmas time brings great joy, because we are again connected to God as forgiven. Still, we are at a time when emotions overflow. Thoughts of sadness, loneliness and emptiness will fill our minds, but the glory of God coming directly into our lives to save us, is more intense than any human emotion can evoke. Praise Him. Honor Him. Place Him at the center of your life and trust that He will heal all our sorrows and pain. Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas.
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I am thanking God for you right now, Kathy. Your posts bless my soul. ❤
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Thank you, Linda. You are one of my first blogging friends from about 8 years ago. Have you finished your memoir yet? I know this is a time when PTSD hits and I pray that you and your husband are doing well and know that God has this every single day. Love you and thanks for being loyal follower.
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Yes, we have been blogging friends for a long time. And no, I haven’t finished my memoir yet. I write at least a little in my memoir every day. This writing journey has been very therapeutic, as I have gained a tremendous amount of insight and inner healing through writing my story.
I must admit that I get frustrated sometimes, because the process is taking me so long. I still have a lot of editing and cutting to do. I often pray, Lord, will I ever get this book finished and published? I trust that if it is His will, my memoir will be a real book someday. But whether my memoir is ever finished or not, I am grateful just for the healing that the writing process has given me.
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Maybe this is just the reason you’re writing it. Maybe it will never be published, but God is healing you through the process!
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Thank you Kathy for reminding to pause in my own Advent journey and turn my thoughts and prayers to those who need to experience God’s peace.
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I’ve noticed dearest Sister, that the older I get, and the more concerned I become for the lost in this world, it hits me really hard during the Christ-mas Season! It reminds me so much of why our Savior came and took the form of mankind, so He DOES relate.
God bless you and Paul tremendously AND abundantly this Season Sis. Also, I am grateful to the both of you for your encouragement and inspiration in ALL you do for ALL of your brothers and sisters!! (Myself at the top of the list!! 😉 )
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Thank you, dear brother for your kind words of encouragement. We are all so blessed by the love of God – for His sacrifice – for His patience and salvation. Each day I grow stronger in that knowledge that He has a magnificent plan in store for those who believe in His name. Sometimes it seems too simple s we try to figure things out for ourselves, but even then, He hears our prayers and answers them. He has blessed Paul and I in so many ways. This blog is one of them. It’s an opportunity for both of us to share our gifts with others. I am humbled and honored by your kind words. You do the same thing with your posts. I appreciate all of them so much. Prayers for you and your family as we approach the birthday of our Lord, God & Savior.
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