A Season of Joy?

The Christmas season is here. I know it is true not because of the displays in the stores--they have been pushing gift-giving and decorations since September--or the pounds of catalogs that arrive in our mailbox daily, but because the Salvation Army bell ringer with kettle was in front of the grocery store when I shopped last Friday. Christmas is coming!

Despite the commercialization of the season, Christmas is a defining moment in the year for believers and non-believers. As an adult, my appreciation of the season has been enriched by Advent and its liturgical practices. Advent Bible studies have allowed me to understand how anticipation of the coming of Messiah is both a joyous and bittersweet event. The babe in the manger will become the crucified man on the cross. Christ is born to die for humankind.

I also understand that Christmas is a challenging time for clergy. In addition to the special Advent services, parishioners want and expect church staff to attend various fellowship events. Ministers must make the time for their own preparations with family for the season. It is also a challenging time of ministry.

Pastors, mental health professionals, and counselors realize that the Christmas season can be a stressful time for many. Some families are experiencing the first Christmas without a parent, a spouse, or a child. There will be an empty seat at the dinner table and around the tree. Many individuals will find themselves far from home and alone because of their work or service. Others are institutionalized and will have few visitors.

To the bleakness of winter will be added the feeling of loss and desolation. This is why the message of fulfilled hope, anticipation, and God’s provision is so necessary. In the midst of our very human feelings of abandonment, God sends hope and provides a Savior who will walk this path with us. This is the Good News we need this season and throughout the year.

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