MELANCHOLY CHRISTMAS WOES
Dear Friend,
The Christmas season is here and most are enjoying it. Are you? Some are having a few melancholy moments. I’ve had some myself. They hit you at odd and unexpected times. You can be anywhere when, BOOM, it hits you. I'm feeling sad, not happy. I don't like this. I wish I wasn't alone. You know the drill.
I hear you.
The other day I was in K-Mart when sadness enveloped me. I was missing my kids and wishing I could be with all of them for Christmas. Next, a feeling of wistfulness about a lost friend washed over me. At Christmastime, it seems worse for some reason. Then I got myself back in the groove, found what I was looking for, and headed back to home.
My sister and I sometimes talk about the past, what it used to be like on Christmas Day, when all the extended family got together at my folks’ place. It was a full day of blessing. We had a tradition of singing Christian Christmas songs every Christmas. This year it will not be happening. Life goes on.
The other day I was in K-Mart when sadness enveloped me. I was missing my kids and wishing I could be with all of them for Christmas. Next, a feeling of wistfulness about a lost friend washed over me. At Christmastime, it seems worse for some reason. Then I got myself back in the groove, found what I was looking for, and headed back to home.
My sister and I sometimes talk about the past, what it used to be like on Christmas Day, when all the extended family got together at my folks’ place. It was a full day of blessing. We had a tradition of singing Christian Christmas songs every Christmas. This year it will not be happening. Life goes on.
- I want you to enjoy the day.
- If you are missing someone, now is a good time to look back at the sweet and special times you had together.
- Look at pictures of them.
- Shed a few tears.
- Pray for them.
- Remember the good days and warm embraces. You can still love them.
- Listen to Christmas music or watch a favorite movie.
- Read a Christmas story or the biblical account in Luke 2.
- Sip eggnog or drink hot cocoa, that always helps me.
People help in soup kitchens and rescue missions. Some take food to the poor and homeless. Some take in a Christmas Eve service. Others look at Christmas lights. Christmas church services are attended by some of the faithful on Christmas Day. Join up, if you’ve a mind to.
Know you are loved by Jesus, the baby in a manger, the Christ-child who became the Savior of the world. His life was lived with purpose, and you were part of that purpose. He loves you so very, very much. He watches over you, keeps you, helps you, wants to fill you with his love. Pray and He will hear you. Say the first words that come to your heart, "Jesus, I'm having a hard time. Help me." He hears the cries of our heart. Jesus appreciates authenticity without the add-ons. He's that sort of Spirit Being.
God bless you. I wish you the best. Have a beautiful Christmas.
Norma L. Brumbaugh, Meridian Woman
