Christmas time, especially in today’s media, is often portrayed as the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a time to spend with family and friends, as well as a time to remember all God has blessed us with in the past year. But in a year that has been overshadowed by a pandemic and resulting struggles, can we still experience the joy and peace of the season?
A year full of shutdowns, quarantines, social-distancing, mandatory masks, sickness and death has the potential to make this Christmas the worst of time of the year instead of the most wonderful.
Obviously, the struggles this year has brought are not ideal, but they may be the key to help us experience the true meaning of this holiday season. How can feelings of discouragement and sadness during this holiday season actually help us realize the true joy of Christmas?
God’s Presence
One of the most amazing things about the gift of Jesus is the fact that we have God’s presence with us at all times in our lives, not just during the Christmas season. The blessing of this privilege is never more apparent than when we are facing difficult times. When we walk through tough situations like missing friends and family members at Christmas time or financial struggles, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us through it all and that He will never leave us.
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23
Peace
We are guaranteed to face challenging situations in our lives because Jesus told us we would, but He also said that we can have peace (perfect peace even) in the midst of our struggles. Not only that, but He reminds us that He overcame the world and has deprived it of its power to ultimately harm us. Even in a year when Covid runs rampant, Jesus is our overcomer of the virus and all the struggles that have accompanied it! When God gave us His son, He gave Him the power to overcome the world so that we may have peace when we face difficulties in our lives. Because of this gift, it is possible to go through this Covid season and still have the peace of God in our hearts and minds.
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33 AMP
Perspective
This year has caused many of us to simplify our lives and reassess what is important - especially as we venture into the Christmas season. Many of us have lost something during these last few months, whether it’s a job, time with family, the opportunity to hang out with friends, or even just a sense of normalcy. As hard as loss can be in our lives, it has the potential to deeply increase our gratitude and appreciation for the many other blessings in our lives. If you have faced the loss (or potential loss) of a loved one it can cause you to become more invested in the loved ones you still have around that you have may have previously taken for granted. Facing financial strain can take your focus away from the consumerism of Christmas and put it back on what really matters: family, friends, and most importantly, the gift of Jesus in your life. It can be easier to get caught up in the hype and consumerism of the holiday when everything in your life is going well because nothing is clamoring for your attention to focus on what’s really important.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Purpose
God’s original purpose for mankind was to have a close intimate relationship with them. Even though that intimacy was broken in the Garden of Eden, God still made possible his purpose was carried through via the sacrifice of His son. When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we can remember that God’s purpose for our lives can still be accomplished no matter how much we mess up or how hard life knocks us down. When we feel like we have hit rock bottom, we can rest in the fact that God is not done with us and He can still accomplish His purpose in our lives. Nothing can keep Him from doing so.
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ Isaiah 46:10
Promise
Our world runs rampant with sin and sickness. Unfortunately, in our earthly lives, we will all be negatively affected by it in some way or another. One of the most wonderful aspects of God’s gift of His son to us is that we will only live in this carnal world for a short time, but we get to spend eternity in paradise, where there will be no more suffering or pain or sadness. Earthly blessings are wonderful, but the true gift of Christmas is that we have an eternity full of joy to look forward to and that we get to spend it with our Savior. Any struggle or suffering you may be experiencing this holiday season is bound to increase your anticipation and gratefulness for the real meaning of Christmas and a future of eternal life.
And this is what he promised us—eternal life. 1 John 2:25
I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:3-4