This time of year brings with it a myriad of feelings and emotions. Joy. Sadness. Warmth. Guilt. Thankfulness. Loneliness. Love.
Joy, because this is Christmas… a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Joy, because of family… the fact that you get to be together.
Joy, because of memories… you have of past holidays, incredible fun and “belly-laughable” stories.
Sadness, because this is Christmas… and it is not the way you planned for it to be.
Sadness because of family… you are grieving the loss of someone who will not be there
Sadness because of memories… that you wish you could erase.
Warmth, because this is Christmas… and even the people around you are happy and festive.
Warmth because of family…and all the hugs and laughter they provide.
Warmth because of memories…that are nostalgically encapsulated and so easily retrieved.
Guilt because this is Christmas… you have gotten caught up in many things, except its real meaning.
Guilt because of family… broken and unhealed relationships and so many “I’m Sorry’s to say”.
Guilt because of memories… of how you have blown it and disappointed those whom you love.
Thankfulness, because this is Christmas… you realize that because Christ was born you can have life too.
Thankfulness, because of family… and how they have accepted, loved and cared for you, over and over.
Thankfulness because of memories… that guide you back to places of peace, happiness and joy.
Loneliness because this is Christmas… a time to celebrate with others and you find yourself alone.
Loneliness because of family…you do not have or have lost or who have forgotten you.
Loneliness because of memories… that haunt you with the absence of goodness and fondness.
Love because this is Christmas… and God so LOVED the world that He gave His one and only Son!
Love because of family…Unconditionally, unwaveringly and unreservedly accepting you.
Love because of memories that unwrap the gifts of affection that no one can take away.
No matter what emotions or feelings you might be experiencing this Christmas, Remember this…
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23
He is with You!