I have been there myself, angry
at the world, wanting it all to stop or simply move on.
I had at times wanted to just wake up on January 2nd
of whatever year because I couldn't wait for the old year to end.
I was wrong.
I hear your pain, I feel your loss, I know the sorrow
a year can cost.
But don't let it take away something you can control.
How you see Christmas is up to you. Imagine for a moment that someone confronts
you in anger about something and they are on the attack.
What is their purpose in doing this?
They want to ruin your day, they want to anger you in
return so that they have some satisfaction.
The moment you get angry, they win.
So it is with whatever is troubling you at this time.
You say, "I don't want to celebrate Christmas!"
You say "It's been a bad year."
You say, "I can't even listen to the music. I want it
over with."
Suddenly you have given more power to the thief that
stole your joy. It is now taking your Christmas along with everything else you
have lost.
No, you are giving it away.
You are giving up on the one moment in time when, no
matter what has gone wrong, you have every reason to be happy.
This is family time. This is a coming together of
those united in faith. This is a time not to curse the losses but to count the
gains, the blessings.
It is, if nothing else, a time for thankfulness to God
for the birth the Saviour.
The One who takes on our pain.
No, I am not suggesting you get up and dance if the
loss or pain was unbearable. God understands mourning.
I am saying see the possibility, cling to the last bit
of life left in this year and declare...
"You will not take this away from me!"
Remember we do not know how many more Christmases we
have left to be joy-filled.
Don't give this one away.
Don't give up on Christmas!
Bob Perks bobperks@comcast.net
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.