I need to confess from the outset that I am usually a very traditional decorator at Christmas. Usually it’s just red and green, silver and gold; heavy on the tinsel and icicles, light on the more modern baubles, and definitely no blue or purple. This year I have an urge to decorate in blue and it really doesn’t have anything to do with Elvis. It is not totally a reflection of my mood either, although Christmas will be a little blue this year with one empty chair at the family Christmas table.
For some, this blue feeling at Christmas is a little deeper than missing someone or feeling stressed because of the season. For those that are suffering from an overwhelming inescapable sadness, I urge you to talk to your medical doctor and your pastor. Chronic depression is not something you should try to fight alone, but look at holistically: spirit, soul and body. There are professionals who can bring you relief and peace. Please, seek them out. If you know of someone who may need your support to reach out for this type of assistance, please lend them that support.
If you are wanting to reach out to someone you know who is having a blue Christmas this year because of circumstances including loss, can I offer a few suggestions? Don’t expect them to call you. Call them with a few thoughts of how to guide them into conversation but don’t try to analyze or pepper them with questions. Drop by with some homemade goodies but don’t infringe on their time, unless they are alone and want to chat. Most of all, be open and sensitive to how they are feeling; don’t come with your own agenda or pre-supposed ideas of what you think they are feeling.
If this Christmas has you feeling blue or wondering what God has in store for your life, remember the eternal Hope that entered the world on that first Christmas. Jesus brought Hope to the world and this becomes a personal Hope when He is born within us.
If your trust is wavering because things have happened in the past year that have hurt you, that is a reason to draw closer to Him, not farther away. I’m so thankful we don’t serve a Santa Claus God who only exists to give us what we want. When He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we believe He should, it shouldn’t cause our Hope in Him to waver. We need to pray that He will strengthen our faith in that Hope.
Whatever colour your Christmas is this year, I trust that you draw closer to the Hope that was born in Bethlehem and that His light will shine on your heart and turn your life all the colours of the rainbow. He wants you to overflow with Hope and abundant life. From my heart to yours, Merry Christmas!
