Photo Credit: Brenda Chambliss
As we approach the day known to most of the world as Christmas, I’ll share some thoughts.
Originally, Christmas was designed to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Over the years the focus gradually shifted from the announcement of glad tidings of Jesus’ birth through Christmas carols, gilded houses bearing the nativity scene of baby Jesus with parents Joseph, Mary and wise men in tow to Santa, reindeers and Frosty the Snowman!
Isn’t it interesting how over time we segue from the original intent of Christmas to sales and marketing and never knew when it actually happened?… I digress.
The purpose of this post is concerning thoughts I have of those who get lost during the holidays and suffer from what was coined as “Holiday Blues.”
I thought suicide spiked around this time of year until I came across an article from last year’s December edition of U.S. News; that found in Research from the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, that this was a myth. In a poll it was discovered that 56% (including me) believed this was true, while 44% debunked the idea.
While I’m thrilled to know that the idea of people not cutting their lives short during the holidays isn’t at an all time high based on research and reporting, I still believe there is no better time to remember and appreciate those we care about and love and to be thoughtful to remind them that they are not forgotten all year round.
Holidays mean different things to various people. This past Thanksgiving, while gathered around an intimate table with my wife Brenda, Dad, Mom and siblings, my mind drifted from the blessing before me to those alone inside a circumstance no making of their own. Death, desertion, divorce can change the landscape of one’s life in just one day. Young people and children who aimlessly meander through times of festive celebration and finding themselves strangers to what’s going on around them because they have no place to call home or family.
Many face challenges daily with no ‘break in the action’ as their responsibilities anchor them to circumstances that give them NO holiday or respite.
Don’t get me wrong, in every station of life we may find ourselves, there is always something to be grateful for, YES even in the worst cases of life. For God’s merciful eye to locate us in sorrow, loss, grief or pain is a blessing.
So here is my challenge to us; from now until December 25th and indeed through the rest of this year, let’s take time and think of others and make ourselves the blessing we would like to see. An unanticipated phone call could do it, a house visit, a card, an opportunity to meet a need and show good will.
Isaiah 9:6 says; Unto us a child was born, unto us a Son is given…
Yes, He was a baby in a manger, but grew up to become Savior and King, so let’s continue His wonderful legacy first by ensuring He is OUR Savior and dedication our lives to serving as citizens of His Kingdom.