Christmas is coming, which means a lot of smiles, laughter, and general Christmas cheer. But this year feels different to you. This year feels…hard. You’re experiencing a jumble of emotions: I’m supposed to be excited, aren’t I? Why do I feel anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted? What’s wrong with me? This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but I’m ready for it to be over.
If you think you’re the only one who can’t find the Christmas spirit—at least, the Christmas spirit that’s described in Hallmark movies and pop songs—know that you’re not. This time of year is emotionally challenging for many, many people. Still, no matter how you feel this Christmas, the truth hasn’t changed.
Grounded in the Truth
…[He] saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher. For this reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day. Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:9-14 NASB)
I realize this isn’t a typical Christmas passage, but I love it because it encompasses everything we need to know at Christmastime (and all year long)! No matter how you feel this Christmas—and even if you’re dreading it deep down inside—this is true for you. If Christ hadn’t entered our world at Christmas, we would still be prisoners of sin and death (v. 10). In Him, we are free from those things.
Satan can’t take away our salvation, but he can attack us with his lies. This is why we need to vigilantly protect the truth (vv. 13-14). Like Paul, who I’m sure felt anxious and discouraged as we often do, we simply need to trust we belong to Christ and nothing can change that (v. 12). We may not be able to hold onto vague emotions but we can hang onto our changeless Christ.
Application Points
- Don’t rely on your emotions as you prepare for Christmas. They’re often deceptive, and they’re constantly changing!
- Focus on Bible passages that remind you of the big picture of Christmas.
- Remember that other people (including me) also struggle with difficult emotions at Christmastime. Not everyone feels happy and excited.
- Take your challenging emotions to God and be honest with others about how you feel so they can pray for you.
This post was originally published on Wholehearted Quiet Time and has been revised since then.
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