Even happy holidays aren’t always happy
Isaiah 35:10b “Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
“It’s the happiest time of the year.”
At this time of the year we hear songs and commercials which try to tell us that we can’t help but be happy at this time of the year and why we should be brimming with joy and excitement.
Sadly, there are many people who are not happy at this time of the year. They struggle with loneliness, sadness and depression. I personally know people who dread this time of the year because it brings back memories of loved ones who are gone or difficult situations they’ve been through. I absolutely understand this and look to be there and try to help and support them.
Others look to find their joy and happiness only in earthly things like presents and parties and people. Such sources of finding joy and happiness will only be shallow and temporary. It should not be surprising that for many people the “joy” of Christmas disappears after a day or so.
Our Bible verse for this week directs us to look at the Savior and find a joy and gladness which might not always be giddy and exciting, but is real and lasting. As you read the words of our Bible verse for this week, they are part of a section where Isaiah used a number of word pictures like the desert and wild animals to picture the troubles and sorrow of sin. He then contrasts that with the refreshment of water and the relief of getting out of the desert to describe the deliverance which the Savior brings.
This side of heaven we will never have complete, true and lasting joy and happiness. But as we have the opportunity this week to again kneel at the manger and thank God for his Christmas gift in the form of a baby who came to be our Savior, it is there that “sorrow and sighing will flee away” and we can find true joy and happiness. That doesn’t mean that there might not be some earthly pain and sorrow, but we can know that in Bethlehem’s baby we have forgiveness, hope and eternal joy.
While we may have the joy and happiness which comes from having Christ in Christmas, let’s not be ignorant or uncaring about others around us who might truly struggle to find joy or happiness at this time of the year. Maybe you are or maybe you aren’t aware of those right around you (coworkers, family members, neighbors or friends) who may fall into this category and really struggle at this time of the year.
May the love of that Savior whose birth we celebrate also fill our hearts and be shown in our lives especially at this time of the year, but also throughout our lives.
God’s richest blessings to each of you for a truly Christ-filled and Merry Christmas!