The Christmas blues

 Christmas is meant to be a season of joy, but for many of us it reminds us of those we've lost in this life. Or perhaps it reminds us of things we want that we don't have.  Not just possessions, but perhaps a relationship. Either way it can often end up depressing, and anxiety inducing, for many of us, especially those that have ongoing mental health issues.

However, we need to remember that Christians do have a reason to be joyful, especially in this season. For Christians this season represents when Christ Jesus became incarnate, that is, human-like, for us. He was destined to live a life leading to death for sins He didn't commit.

I can't begin to imagine what it might have been like to be part of the triune God and be as helpless as a newborn child. It honestly makes me wonder what thoughts young children actually do have, that aren't sinful at least.  We all know that children can be quite envious and stingy.  But what things aside from these actually happen in the mind of a child?

We know from scripture that Jesus said children are the best example of how to live.  But I'm quite sure he meant the best parts of children. The parts that believe what they are told without question, the parts that believe in miracles wholly, and more. There is so much wonder in children.  It is from us that they learn the skepticism and most other bad habits.

So, I reiterate, we should celebrate Christ Jesus' birth, if nothing else.  We should take joy in the fact that we have hope of salvation. We do have to endure many things here on earth to complete our mission, but we do have a much brighter future. Which reminds me of an illustration to help put our current difficulties into perspective.  

You can think of our existence like a very long rope.  We'll say a 100m rope.  Of this 100m, less than 10cm would be our life on earth.  That is about 0.001% of the rope's total length.  That's a crazy small amount.  And honestly, it's impossible to make the rope long enough to truly represent our existence. The 100m rope would represent roughly 1,000 years, where 10cm is 100 years, but really the rope represents eternity, that is, something without end.

Now, to confront the negative reality.  If you don't accept Christ Jesus' salvation, the 10cm won't be the end of your suffering. Instead, the entire rope will be your suffering.  It may not be the same in nature after the first 10cm, but it will indeed be suffering. The awesome part, is that salvation is simple to enact.  Its not a simple decision for everyone, but once that decision is made, it's super easy.

You simply have to state you believe that Christ Jesus was born, in this case, a virgin birth, lived a sinless life, and died for our sins as a substitutionary sacrifice. With that you also confess that you have sinned, (that is done something that God doesn't like), we are all born with a sin nature, and any sin, even a simple "white" lie counts.  You must ask God to become ruler of your life.  That is, the standard of measure and law, and one whom you intend to follow.  And finally ask Him to forgive you of your sins in Jesus' name.

So the deal is, we have a reason to be joyful, we just have to put everything else into proper perspective.  I admit, that's not easy, and it certainly isn't only needed once, but it does indeed help.  One day as Christians, we won't face any suffering. 

Scriptures for further exploration: Primarily the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.