Christmas Feels Different This Year

For many this Christmas season will be quite different than years past.  2020 has been a year like no other for most of us and few will be sad to see it end.  But even though this was a challenging year, 2020 was not without its good points.  Many of us spent far more time with our immediate families than we might otherwise have done.  We also all learned that we could survive without dinning in restaurants, attending the Movie Theater, or watching sports.  This Christmas will be different for those who are missing a loved one.  I know of several families that have lost loved ones due to the virus.  My heart and prayers go out to them.  Even though my father died over two years ago, Christmas is always a difficult time as we miss him being with us.  All my memories of Christmas have always included my dad.  I’ve tried to focus on the fact that my dad is with the Lord and having his best Christmas ever, but it still hurts.

Despite 2020 and all that has come with it, Christmas is here. One thing that I have noticed this Christmas is people seem to be putting up more Christmas lights and doing it much earlier than in years past. I think many people are just trying to do something that brings joy and spreads more good cheer that is desperately needed.  Regardless of what is going on in the world, there are some things that remain the same.  My grandchildren are still excited about Christmas and cannot wait to open their presents.  Seeing Christmas through their smiles is such a blessing. 

While the Christmas season can bring much joy; it may also be more difficult for some this year as some due to their health concerns choose to limit contact with family and friends. Many have already been feeling a growing sense of isolation, but Christmas can amplify this feeling.  It is important to know that you are not alone in this, even though it may feel like it.  Reach out and call someone, not just text, facetime with them if possible. Reach out to people who you know that may be feeling alone… they come in all ages.

 This Christmas more than ever it is important to have hope.  We can’t live without hope. Hope gives us strength. Hope helps us endure. If you’re going through hardships, you need hope. If you’ve heard a bad report, hold onto your hope. But hope is only as good as the truth that your hope is connected to. If you’ve placed your hope in Washington DC or in a man or woman, you’re going to be let down. It’s inevitable. Our hope is in the Lord!  Hope is the joyful anticipation of good.  Any area of our life that does not have hope is under the influence of a lie.  Hope comes from God and He cannot lie!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:13)  At one time we were “without hope and without God,” but “on him we have set our hope” (Eph 2:12, 2 Cor 1:9-10).

Place your hope in anything less than God and you set yourself up for failure and disappointment. But put your hope in him and you’ll reign in life. This world will crush your hopes, but your heavenly Father does not want you to become hopeless. When you are shaken by bad news the temptation is to look around for hope. Don’t look around; look up! Fix your eyes on Jesus.

But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. (Psa 39:7)

The remedy for bad news is good news. When the shaking comes, hold onto hope, and don’t let go. When the doctor speaks death, listen to Jesus who speaks life. When your boss says something bad, listen to your Father who says something good. You cannot walk by faith unless you’re walking by hope and you’ll never walk in hope unless you’re walking in your Father’s love. Faith, hope, and love go together, but the greatest of these is love. No love, no hope. Know his love and you’ll know hope.

May faith, hope, and love be yours in abundance as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. May the Lord reveal Himself as your rock, your fortress and your deliverer, a God in whom you can trust.

Merry Christmas!