Streams of Comfort

I want to write a little bit about the holiday season in this post, as we leave Christmas and head into the New Year. When we reach the Christmas season each year, the music, movies, celebrations, and gathering of family and friends usually puts us in a good mood. We look forward to giving and receiving gifts and entering into an annual season with some semblance of happiness and hope. Depending on life circumstances, Christmas can also be a sad time that brings up the memories of loved ones we have lost. But whether we look to the holiday as a source of sadness or joy, the world around us seems to be overflowing with laughter and happiness. But given the state of the world and the difficulties of life, I find the holiday joy unsustainable unless it is connected to Jesus. As you read what I have written, I hope you think more about where our joy comes from during this season. And that you find Jesus to be the one that makes that joy complete.

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
I have exclaimed these words countless times,
And I sometimes wonder if I truly mean them.
When the holiday noise dies down,
And my mind drifts into momentary stillness,
I can hear the faint echoes of my thoughts,
Questioning if this holiday cheer is truly real.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”,
Various songs proclaim,
But is it truly?
What makes this time of year more special than any other?
What compels families to gather and people to be on their best behavior?
Are Christmas songs, gift giving, and caroling enough to open up hearts?
And if they are, how come they can only do it for one month out of the year,
Why not eleven out of the twelve months, or maybe even ten.
Even so, our spirits are most surely lifted during this time of year,
But sadly, never sustained,
Because we always return to the struggle of life,
When this season comes to an end.
But there is hope,
I have come to see that the joy of the holidays can be sustained,
When we think about the birth of Jesus,
God becoming flesh, dwelling with us, and saving us,
A truth that does not come and go,
But permeates everyday life,
And a truth that can transform people for more than just one month out of the year.
It’s only when I remember the grace of God,
That genuine emotion connects to that holiday greeting and farewell,
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
And when the holiday noise turns back up,
And my mind returns to its set course,
I see that the joy Jesus gives,
Is the sustainment I have been looking for.