This is a holiday season like no other. The social upheaval that the pandemic has created over the last nine months continues. Many people are unable to see their loved ones because of social distancing and travel limitations. It may be easy to feel sad and without hope. However, God is always speaking to us through the Bible. We can turn to these verses when we need encouragement and His assurance of protection and peace.
“Blue Christmas” marks the longest night of the year. Many churches hold a service this day for people who have experienced or are experiencing grief. But it can also describe an atmosphere of thought during the holidays. Turning to the Almighty in these struggles provides comfort and release.
The biggest Bible story this time of year is, of course, the nativity story. The birth of Jesus was a wondrous occasion that fully demonstrated God’s promise of care for His people.
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)
Jesus is God’s son. Jesus’ birth had been prophesied for generations and now the time was right for Him to be manifested on earth. The Jewish people lived in a time much like our own, one filled with social, political, and economic concerns. Jesus’ birth demonstrated that God loves His children and always fulfills His promises. It was also demonstrated in the name that Jesus was given, Emmanuel. The Lord is truly with us no matter where in the world we are. Human friends and family may be far away, but the Lord is always immediately at hand when we appeal to Him for comfort.
Sadness, loneliness, and doubt give place to triumph and joy in the nativity story. The shepherds were patiently tending to their flocks on a cold night. Little did they know that they were about to bear witness to the greatest miracle the world has ever seen. Amid their toil, an angel – a message from the Lord – appeared:
“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:9-11)
Our joy comes from the Lord. It isn’t dependent on a person, place, or thing and is made secure when we place our faith in the Lord. He illuminates any and every situation, revealing Himself where we need it most. This passage also clearly defines Jesus’ identity as Savior. He came to save the world from its sins. In moments of sadness during the holidays, we can turn to the Lord and trust that, no matter how dark things seem, He is there to save us. Jesus redeems the world moment by moment, day by day.
These verses can provide a starting point for new or renewed spiritual growth. It is energizing to understand and realize the enormity of the Lord and His love. The Almighty saw the depth of the world’s need. He saw how much His people yearned for comfort and provided it. Jesus was an answer both for that moment and this one. The Holy Spirit uplifts us not just at the holidays but gives assurance throughout the year.
Here is a prayer for sadness during the holidays. May you be governed by the Holy Spirit and go forward with glad tidings. May you find inner peace from the Christ, His beloved Son. May your mind, heart, and soul find calm and refuge in His care. May you find moments of calm, provided by the grace of the Almighty, throughout the whirl of holiday activities. May you and those you care for feel the comforting hand of divine Love on your hearts today and all year. May you and yours be blessed.