Christmas 2023 - Day 5: Christmas and Loss

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” Mt 2:17–18
 
In cold hearted selfish jealousy, Herod ordered the killing of all the baby boys in the region of Bethlehem, and he did so because he hoped to kill the newborn king of the Jews - Jesus. Jeremiah supplies a vivid picture of the lamentation (Mt 2:17-18). Here was the most celebrated moment in history, angels bursting through the divide of heaven and earth, announcing the savior's birth, a caravan of Magi arriving gifts fit for a king, lowly shepherds worshiping and evangelizing… It is the overwhelming joy of the first Christmas… And yet with all the joy around them, these families of Bethlehem were weeping, refusing to be comforted from the imposing pain of loss.
 
Christmas is not easy for everyone. You may personally know this reality, or you may need to offer understanding and help to someone who knows this pain all too well (2Co 1:4). I have officiated many funerals in the later weeks of December. A couple of them were for people who had taken their own lives. That’s a lot for a family to live with anytime - but especially around the holidays. There are many kinds of loss that one may have experienced, but they all result in a similar aching sorrow. Every year when the world lights up your world grows darker. While everyone else seems to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, for you it is the most depressing time of the year. Consider taking some real steps toward finding joy again.
 
First, be honest about your feelings and make a point of bringing them to God. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1Pe 5:6–7). Face it, some of your problem maybe pride. If you just think you can muscle through and lift yourself up - that’s pride. So humble yourself and cast all of your cares and anxieties on God so that He, (when He has done a work of healing in you) may exalt you - that is lift you up.

Second, look to the promises of God in His word. Thoughts become feelings, feelings become attitudes and attitudes become actions (Ro 8). When we dwell only on our sadness and the reason for it, sadness becomes our attitude and sad actions will result. Instead, saturate your mind with God's word. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Ro 8:6). I am not suggesting that you sweep your sadness under the rug. No, no, no. I know it is real. So cast it up on God with all honesty - but do not remain with only that sadness on your mind - cast it and look then to the promises of God.

Third, serve others. It is so easy, when sadness comes upon us, to focus only on ourselves. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Ga 5:13). Get out of your own head and serve. Think about needs in the body of Christ and provide for those needs.  

Dear ones, you are a child of God, filled with the comforter - the Holy Spirit, you have the mind of Christ - able to understand His word for you, and you are a vital member of the Body of Christ. It is not as though you are without help. Be encouraged today.