The Christmas Blues

“When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.””  – Matthew 2:13

Well, it has come and gone.  All of those weeks preparing for Christmas, and it seems to be gone in a flash.  The excitement of family joining together, the presents under the tree, the Christmas carols, the shopping, the Christmas dinner all have become a part of our memories now.  Was it everything you expected it to be?  All of that excitement reached a crescendo and now life begins to resort back to normalcy once again.  Perhaps the family has left to return home, the tree is now at the curb-side and there is that dreaded feeling of emptiness as you evaluate what has transpired.  Did you get everything you wanted?  Did the reunion with family members and friends meet your expectations or leave you wanting more?

The post-Christmas blues meet many of us head on after the build up to an emotional high on Christmas morning.  We all have expectations going into Christmas.  Following that wonderful event we are then left to compare the reality with our expectations, and many times if falls short.  The joy, laughter and happiness that fill your heart leading up to Christmas may seem distant now.  I propose that it is simply because you are focusing on the event and not the act of Christmas.  You see the gifts, the fellowship, the reunions and the parties are nothing more than an event celebrating the act of His birth.  Many have argued that his birth did not even happen in December, and I’m okay with that.  You see, it’s not about the exact day He was born, it’s about celebrating His birth, which leads us to celebrating His life, His death and His resurrection.

We know that Mary & Joseph went through a period of Christmas Blues so to speak.  After the birth of Jesus you would expect that they would have time to just rest in peace and raise God’s Son.  A chance to celebrate His birth and God’s choice to bring Him to the world as a part of their family.  Mary had spent 9 months preparing for the event of Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem.  At some point in the Savior’s first year an angel appears to Joseph, once again, and tells him to take the child to Egypt.  Without hesitation, Joseph packs up his family and goes.  When God speaks to you and tells you to move, you move.  God was in ultimate control of every part of the Christmas event, and didn’t stop once the baby was born.  It wasn’t as if God brought Christ into the world and then told Mary & Joseph, “Alright, now it’s up to you.  Good luck.”  No.  He was involved every step of the way.

Just like in your life, and mine, God didn’t bring you to a point of salvation and then walk away.  At your baptism He didn’t wash you clean and then say, “Okay, now stay that way.  My work is done.”  God never promised you and I an easy path in life, as a matter of fact He promised just the opposite in John 16:33, “in the world you will have trouble.”   The key is to continue relying on God to see you through and around these troubles.  The Lord is still in control, even when you feel lost, empty and alone.  It is more important to listen to His word and be in accord with His direction on your life when you have reached the summit and are on the way down the other side.  The Christmas Blues can bring along with it serious depression for those left wanting more, and feeling lost in a world of materialism, self-centeredness and jealous envy of others.  What is important is to look upward and focus your attention on the One for which Christmas is all about.  Throughout the year we can celebrate the Messiah in our lives, through our actions and in our quiet times.  Draw near to Him each day and re-discover the wonder of Christmas over and over.

 

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wonder of Your Son’s birth.  Thank You for helping us through this stress-filled, exciting time of Christmas, while keeping our eyes focused on You and not on ourselves.  Help us to let go of the emptiness that can ensue following this blessed event, and draw closer to You.  As You demonstrated through Joseph’s dreams You are in control at all times.  You alone can lead us through this depression and back into our Savior’s arms.  Guide us Lord to daily walk with You and never feel alone in this world. In Your name we pray - Amen


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