Be of Good Cheer (#66 of 365+)

Depression seems to be more common during the Christmas season than at any other time. This is probably due to associating the season with loss. The most significant type of loss is relational.
For example one may have lost a loved one by death, divorce, or another means. The void becomes even greater during this time of year when people intentionally gather to share in beloved family traditions. Another type of loss that can influence one’s perception of the holidays is financial. Whether it is unemployment, emergency expenses, or deepening debt—the consumerism of Christmas has raised expectations to a level that dramatically compounds a sense of loss.

Jesus Christ spoke these words of comfort to his disciples: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 KJV)

The word “Christmas” is a compounded form of the original words “Christ’s Mass”. It was a celebration of the Eucharist; the sacrament of Holy Communion; the Lord's Supper. Those who believe in Christ and share in this communion with all the saints have every reason to be joyful. Christmas was never meant to be solely about loved ones or the giving/receiving of gifts, although those are wonderful experiences in themselves. The true meaning of Christmas is the love of the Father and the gift of Jesus Christ to the world. If our focus is elsewhere we’ll surely miss out on the true joy!

Joni said, “Our source of joy is always this: Christ is victorious over the world, the flesh, and the devil. This is the fountain of our happiness in this world.”

“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4)

Saying “Happy Holidays” deletes the true meaning and joy from the season. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but if someone powerful wanted people to forget Christ they would make it unlawful or at least politically incorrect to say his name. Hmmm…. I think all believers should challenge ourselves this year to say “Merry Christ-mas!” (with gusto, and with a long ‘i’ in “Christ-mas”) to everyone we meet so they remember the cause for celebration. If we offend someone, then they’re the ones who really need to hear that message the most!

“When you were dead in your sins… God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:13-15)

Lord, thank you that we’re able to spend this holiday with loved ones out of state because of the resources you’ve blessed us with. May we treasure the true meaning of Christmas, your love and your gift, in our hearts and spread the good cheer everywhere we go. Amen.