For many the Christmas season is filled with a renewed time of fellowship with family and friends. It is a time where relationships are strengthened and joy and hope fill the air. Many look upon the Christmas season with anticipation and jubilant excitement!
However, there are also many who struggle through this time of year. It may be the difficulty of having lost a loved one. Not knowing how to cope, or even if you will be able to cope is a reality for those grieving the death of a loved one. For some, Christmas is a reminder of a painful past. Maybe you suffered through an abusive childhood and while other families are reuniting to celebrate the season you are dealing with the painful emotions that accompany family gatherings. For children and adolescents whose parents are divorced or separated Christmas often turns from excitement (past years) to a cold reality that mom and dad are no longer together, and life (including Christmas) will never be the same. The excitement and happiness of the season is stolen and replaced with sadness, anger and bitterness.
While difficult circumstances are commonplace in a fallen world and they often overtake the best of people it is important to remind ourselves-especially those who find this season a struggle- of the HOPE that is in Christ Jesus. One of my favorite Scripture verses is 2 Corinthians 9:8. It states, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” What a life changing verse this can be!! This verse teaches us that God’s grace is sufficient for every need. Whether it is a Christmas without a loved one, a difficult family situation or some other seemingly hopeless situation it is important to remember that God’s grace is sufficient.
If you find yourself struggling through this season, I encourage you to contemplate 2 Corinthians 9:8. While I do not know the circumstances which you find yourself in this season I do know that we serve a God who is able to make all grace abound to you at all times. As you walk through this Christmas season and into 2007 I encourage you to trust in the God who promises to give you the strength for every circumstance.
As I close let me leave you with Romans 15:13. May this verse be a reality for you during the Christmas season and throughout 2007.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
