We are officially in the Christmas season. Most of us have stuffed ourselves with turkey (or tofu?), watched football, done some Black Friday shopping, and maybe decorated our homes. While those things are nice, they don’t guarantee we will be in the mood for Christmas.
Last year, I did all the things, but I couldn’t get my heart ready for the Christmas season. I had no reason not to feel jolly and joyful. God had been so good to me, literally saving my life twice last year. I have the home, the car, the toys, the job, the family, the relationship with Christ. But my heart wasn’t feeling festive. I struggled.
Ever done that? Ever been in a crowd of people but your heart just wasn’t there?
A lady in the Bible study group I teach invited myself, my husband, and my grandchildren to a light show at her house. My husband went out of his way to make it special for us all. He prepared hot chocolate for the grandchildren in a thermos, made us all chocolate chip cookies, and brought blankets to wrap up in so we would be toasty. He backed his truck into their driveway so we could sit on the tailgate while we enjoyed the treats and the lights.
Still, I wasn’t there.
That is, until the song “Do You Hear What I Hear?” filled the night sky. Specifically, the line “Listen to what I say!” got my attention. All of the sudden, Christmas was in my heart. It filled my mind. I was ready to see all that God would do, and there was hope. See, Jesus came for that!
Listen to what He says: “… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
This Christmas, not everyone will be in the mood for it. If that’s you, you’re not alone. But, as one who knows how you feel, can I remind you what the song says? “He will bring us goodness and light!” That’s what He does. That’s the message that filled the skies for the shepherds all those years ago.
Listen to what the angels say: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased!” (Luke 2:14)
That doesn’t mean we have to force ourselves to be in the Christmas spirit. Sometimes there are legitimate reasons to feel less-than-festive. But at the same time, I gently encourage you to remember the peace and abundant life that Jesus came to offer. We may not always feel it. But we can listen to what His Word says and choose to believe it anyway.
Our hearts may or may not be “there” this Christmas. That’s okay. Jesus is always “there” – faithfully fulfilling His Word in every season. So, when our hearts don’t feel giddy or gleeful, maybe we can just let ourselves rest quietly in Jesus. And listen.
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