For those of us with loss this Christmas… (#OneMinuteMondays)

For a great deal of us this Christmas, we go into these next few days with an ache in our hearts, a lump in our throats, and a tear in our eye. So many of us have experienced loss this year. Significant loss. Deep-in-your-heart loss. Not all of our losses include people. But, Christmas is supposed to be happy, right? Or, is there a way to embrace Christmas for those of us with loss this Christmas? Yes.

Embrace Jesus First

As you enter into this Christmas week, remember that Jesus is the reason for our celebration. When Jesus came to earth, He chose to be with us. In that choice, He provides us mercy, grace, comfort, and ultimately the Holy Spirit to be with us in His place. He told us of heaven, His preparations for us, and of the future. This week celebrates Him, the humility of choosing to come and be with us, and the ultimate benefits He provided for all of us on the cross.

For Those with Loss this Christmas…

Isn’t it easy to get in the mindset of a Hallmark Christmas? Or, to put it in a different way, isn’t it easy to think about Christmas as primarily about family, traditions, gift-buying, gift-receiving, and all the other trappings of Christmas as an activity or a holiday? The simple answer is yes. In this moment of loss, no doubt you place your loss in light of all of those things you will miss, all of those memories that you have, and think of this moment in simply a deficit. However, when we keep our mind focused on Christ, loss gets placed in the right context. When our mind is on Christ, we will see those things that are different this year in light of His provisions, our future home in heaven, and the love He shared with us to take us there.

For All of Us…

Let me encourage you this week, all of us, to take a few moments to think of all of those around us with real and significant loss. You will not have to look far. Last night I started a small list of those with loss in my family, our church family, and of my friends. Of course the loss includes those who have died this year, but also includes those who have faced divorce, had children and families interrupted by conflict, have lost everything through tornadoes and financial loss, and those who are struggling with significant health concerns. Loss is a large category and includes so many elements of life. As you personally celebrate Christmas this year, take a few moments to think about those around you who have and are suffering loss. Maybe send a note, text, or reach out somehow to let them know of your care and concern even in this week of Christmas celebration.

For sure, thinking about the birth of Christ and ultimately the death of Christ makes me long even more for the return of Christ!