When Hurt Runs Deep During the Holiday

I have been in a dark place where the world seemed to move forward with celebration, as I sat paralyzed in my pain. I have had tears stream down my face as I hid behind closed doors wondering if my heart would heal. I know of disappointments when Christmas was a little harder than I thought it should be.

Is your holiday season ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’?  I truly hope it is. However, it can also be a time of deep heartache. For many, Christmas gatherings are a reminder of regret and loss. For some, divorce disrupts family traditions. For others, the loss of a loved one can leave a hole piercing the heart. Sometimes, it is a season of stress from added debt. Life can be hard even when the radio is playing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

What is a person to do when hurt runs deep during the holidays? When I am in a dark place, I intentionally have to focus on the hope given through Jesus Christ.  He came to earth as a baby and gave His life so we can have a relationship with Him.  He loves deeply. He gave His all. Because of Him, we have hope as we walk through the hardships in this earthly life knowing Jesus is with us. We also have hope as we anticipate heaven. Our confidence is in Jesus and not of things of this world.  “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.”  Psalm 39:7 (ESV)

I know this to be true in my personal life. God was faithful on that first Christmas without Papaw Seamon sitting in his brown recliner. God was with us through the death of Terry’s mom. God was faithful with His presence, in the loss of hers, that first Christmas’ Eve. God held me tight as we moved from a church plant and I thought my heart would shatter. God gave me a miracle that December day when doctors reported our new-born had a hole in his heart. My God carried me through every ugly disappointing painful experience, and He will do the same for you. God is faithful in the good and the bad. I have to remind myself of His faithfulness in my Christmas past knowing He will do it for my Christmas future. On this earth, we will have difficulties and deep sorrow, but Jesus gives hope to face each tribulation, every disappointment, and all trials shoved into our day.  Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (KJV)

Friends, I sincerely hope it will be ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ for you, but if you’re fighting secret battles behind closed doors, if you are adjusting to a new norm, know that God is for you. He is with you on the good days, but also on your darkest of days. God is faithful. He loves you deeply. Peace and joy can be found in Him.

How do I know He is for you? Just look in the manger. 🙂

Merry CHRISTmas!