Christmas Reflection
Then I realize how much enjoyment comes from children’s laughter. As special treat this year is our toddler granddaughter opening her gifts and bringing so much joy.
Jesus Christ was born in a dark world to bring salvation for anyone who accepts it.
Angels appear
Just like my life is filled with concern about family there must have been a lot of confusion and worry when the angels appeared to the lowly shepherds. They had not prepared for anything like this. When the Savior, also known as King of Kings, would be born shouldn’t they have prepared in advance? They didn’t know, so the bright lights must have startled them but once they got their bearings they finished their shift, cleaned up and traveled to the city to see what just happened.
Since life is not based on the stuff we see all around or think we need in order to be happy, then what is there? Family. Friends. Faith. Entertainment. Even though I have a lot to be thankful for this year, a nagging sadness tugs at my heart strings. At times I would rather hibernate than fill my remaining hours for Christmas preparations.
What is hope if I fall into despair during the Christmas season? There have been many times, during the Christmas season and all throughout the year that my faith was tested. But hope remained. Believing that things will work out for the better in the future.
The glitter of Christmas is exact opposite of what many people experience during this season.
Children not coming home, losing a job, or rebellious children or grandchildren causing grief, serious sickness, incurable diseases, legal battles, separation, natural disasters, etc. are causes for immense pain and grief. It’s hard to remember to be merry at Christmas time.
What can we do in circumstance like these except stay near family and friends who are near even when feeling depressed. Or get involved in helping others some way.
Glimmer of hope
Just like the bright light of the angelic host that appeared in the dark night at the point when the shepherds least expected it so we, too, can find a reason to hope this Christmas season. When all seems dark and there are no answers to life’s challenges I choose to change my thinking with one glimmer of hope and little faith.
If Christmas this year has lost its glitter and the word ‘merry’ doesn’t fit our vocabulary, we can rest on the hope that when Jesus was born in a wooden manger he will one day save us by dying on a wooden cross. This is our great hope at Christmas. We can reflect on the Christ baby as our savior with the promise of eternal life. Then our future is merry and bright!
A poem by Anne Peterson:
Lord how can I
celebrate your birth
when I’m feeling low?
With parties
all around me
I just don’t want to go.
And then my savior answered,
“Wherever you may be,
reflect on why
I came that night
and celebrate with me?”
May your Christmas this year be merry. So with the message of hope I now wish you a Merry Christmas and Successful New Year.
I would love to read your comments below.
Here is Anne Peterson’s Facebook page for more of her reflective writings.