When Christmas is Complicated

On Sunday my pastor preached a message about “When Christmas is Complicated.” I understood that sentiment all too well and I know it is a word that is true for many. Christmas, while it represents the beautiful and miraculous message of Christ’s birth can also hold another message—that of painful memories and dread.

Perhaps it is a reminder of loved ones who are no longer here, of a divorce or some other broken relationship. Perhaps it is of family members that can’t get along and the tension that fills not only the room, but your heart as the knot in your stomach grows at the thought of the holidays ahead.

But this is a word that resounded within my soul even as the pastor continued his message—Christmas is a season of change and hope and it is available now as you take hold of it.

For those who will accept and receive it, there is change in the air. His Presence. That like a candle once lit illumines a room, so is Christ in you and as you walk into a room you are a carrier of His light and His Presence, His glory to drive out the darkness of the ghosts of Christmas past.

There is no need to fear. Instead let His joyful expectation fill your heart again as you bring Christ into your home and heart for that change for which you have prayed.

Christmas is a time for miracles. It is time for there to be another birth this Christmas, that of renewed hope in your heart that nothing is impossible. Nothing. He is a restorer, a reconciler, a resurrector of that which has died. Can these dry bones live again? Speak it out and call them to life as His breath brings forth new life.

Christmas may have complications, but His love is simple and simply put is available to change the past, present and future.

If this message has resonated in your heart,

please let me know by leaving a comment below.