What Happens When Holidays Aren’t Happy?

The Holidays are not always happy times.  The painful loss of loved ones knocks us down. Crushing memories draw us further into sadness, grief, and regret. Illness, pain, traumatic diagnoses, and surgery shred hope.  Broken families rarely reflect perfect “Hallmark Moments,” and hurt, frustration and anger overwhelm.  Job layoffs rock our foundation and finances lower while debt rises.  Local, national, and global news slam us sideways.  Stress and strain kick us into anxiety and depression, and we fall into a tunnel of mental darkness and lose our way.  This time of year seems to intensify all emotions and bring out unrealistic expectations.  Happy Holidays?  I don’t think so, at least not always or like we want.

So what can we do?

Remember the Who.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8, and “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” John 14:26.

Remember the what.

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” Luke 6:31. And “walk in love . . .” Ephesians 5:2, and “pray without ceasing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Remember the when.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58, and “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:8

Remember the where.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” Psalm 24:1

Remember the why.

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11

“I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever.” Psalm 86:12

Remember the how. 

“. . . ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

And, remember Whose you are.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19

Rather than trying to make happy holidays, what about focusing on Holy Holidays? This Christmas season return to Savior-centeredness.

“Dear Lord, remove from me a heart of stone and replace it with a heart for You and Your children. What can I do for you and others? Thank you, Amen.”

Blessings of Savior-centeredness! Prayer requests?

Keeping Christ in Christmas in Every Way, PJ

COPYRIGHT ©2014 PJ Gover http://www.PJGover.com  http://www.citygirlgoincountry.wordpress.com http://4homestore.com/devotionalbook.html (PJ’s devotional book)