We're here again: at
that time of year when suddenly Christmas seems to be racing towards us,
however ready or ill prepared we feel to welcome it.
It will come.
It will come soon.
It always does. The
date in the calendar is utterly dependable. And, in a year when there has been
much to celebrate and much to mourn, it will usher in a time of mixed emotions.
I'm writing another
book at the moment, about finding emotional healing with Jesus. (I'll share more about this in the New Year). Inevitably, it's colouring my
thinking as I 'people-watch' throughout this season. I can't help wondering
what we don't see as we meet and interact with others in the run up to
Christmas. What might lie behind the smiles and
laughter? How many struggles birth themselves in
tears behind closed doors?
Christmas is a time
like no other, when our mind catapults itself into memories of other Christmas
celebrations (or disasters) and before we know it we are back in the feelings
that characterised those times. Unknown to us, they have been quietly
storing themselves away in the cells of our bodies, hiding away for just this
moment. Powerful and pivotal experiences always
do that. They become part of us.
And where there
have been significant losses in our lives the Christmas season is all the more
poignant.
For me it's the first rendition of the familiar festive tunes that awakens the memories of other Christmas seasons, both good and bad.
Beneath the tinsel
and the glitter and the happy romanticised vibes of the seasonal soundtrack
there often lies deep personal pain and longing.
And whilst we may
be skilled at hiding that from others (we are, after all, now experienced
mask-wearers) there is wisdom in acknowledging it.
We need to carve
out space to give our tender feelings permission to 'be' and to cradle them
with love. Our lives, and our Christmas experience
will be the better for having done so.
So, above all else,
be kind to yourself in this season, whatever that means for you.
Breathe. Reflect.
Take slow moments with the Jesus whose birth this season is all about.
Rest in His love
and let Him anoint your feelings with healing, hope and peace. Walk through the season with Him. And, regardless of
the perfect images zooming into your life through your screens, celebrate the
season in the way that's most helpful to you.
I wish you joy and happiness this Christmas.
And I pray blessings and peace on any pain or fears
you are quietly
and bravely carrying.
Be kind to yourself.
And be kind to
others.
Click here for a poem that you might like to make your own:
Headlong to Christmas
.
