When the Holidays Are Not Jolly

By Anonymous -
There is so much joy around the holiday season. There are cookies to bake, presents to wrap, lights to be seen, traditions to be upheld, songs to be sung, and family to be surrounded by. However, what about when the holidays are not jolly and wrapped up with a perfect Christmas bow? When there is a loss in your life, when the funds don’t allow for gifts, when you feel forgotten, when you feel unloved, when you feel like everyone is happy except for you, when your family may not always be around or close enough to see - these are the things we don’t always talk about that happen during the holiday season because we want everything to look and feel perfect and jolly. However, for many people this is a reality that they live every holiday season. A reality that to be perfectly frank, sucks. However, the very reason for the holiday season is because Jesus was born and he was born for a purpose. “A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called, “Wonderful Counselor,” ‘Mighty God,’ ‘Eternal Father,’ ‘Prince of Peace.’ “– Isaiah 9:6
Even knowing the reason for the season, it can still be met with heartache because while it seems everyone is having a wonderful time being surrounded by love and family celebrating the birth of Jesus, not everyone is. With the heartache that the holidays can sometimes bring, it can also be hard to know that God is still there. It is hard to feel his presence when everyone around you seems so happy but he is STILL there no matter what - “If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, you would be there to lead me, you would be there to help me.” – Psalm 139:9 - 10. It can be hard to know that God has not forgotten you but will NEVER forget you - “So the Lord answers, ‘Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you.’ ” – Isaiah 49:15. It can be hard to know that God will love you no matter the valley you may be in but he loves you through the valleys and the peaks - “ ‘The mountains and hills may crumble,but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace.” So says the Lord who loves you.” – Isaiah 54:10 
Remember that the holidays are not always holly and jolly for everyone however, it is important to always have a joyful heart and be thankful for the many blessings that God has provided you in your life. Show the love of the reason for the season to everyone you meet. You never know when they might need a little boost. God will always let you know in your heart when to lend that extra little love to a loved one, a friend, or even a complete stranger.

 - Natasha

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