When the Holidays Hurt

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As an avid C.S. Lewis fan, I've stored up gems of wisdom from this most quotable author. But as 2017 draws to an end and I prepare to close the cover on this chapter of my life, no great quote comes to mind. Instead, I'm tempted to follow Lewis's example and write in the margin NA, an abbreviation he reserved for books that he intended to read Never Again.

Many of my friends have lost loved ones this past year. They don't complain, but there is no hiding the pain in their eyes. They swallow hard to keep the tears from choking their voice, and they bravely face a holiday season that I'm sure they wish to skip.

Other friends are dealing with serious illnesses, suffering from a failed marriage, or feeling numb like me from the busyness of the season and endless responsibilities. Has the Christmas spirit passed us by? I don't think so. Our pain and helplessness don't drown out Christmas—they draw us into the true heart of Christmas.

On that very first Christmas, Jesus didn't gaze down from heaven at lights and tinsel on trees. He didn't smell the aroma of perfectly baked cookies and say, "That looks like a nice place to live. I think I'll go there."

No, He saw the pain of broken relationships, bitter hearts and selfish attitudes, religious leaders who were too proud to care for the poor, and the downtrodden who knew they were powerless to help themselves. Jesus saw the darkness and pain. He shuddered at the evil, then whispered to listening hearts, "Don't be afraid. I am coming."

If sorrow engulfs your heart this Christmas, if tears roll unbidden down your cheeks, you haven't missed out on Christmas. Your pain is the reason Jesus came. We may not feel His presence, but He asks us to reach out in feeble faith and trust Him. He promises never to leave us. Never Alone.

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)." Matthew 1:23 (ESV)