Merry Christmas is a salutation we are all familiar with. I know a lot of us can remember when almost everyone we met, including strangers, would greet each other with this good-natured greeting in tune with the holiday of Christmas. A happy hello that was rooted in the grace of God seen in the birth of Jesus, our Messiah, our Savior. It is an expression that can wrap up together the joy, excitement, and giving spirit of the time with a reminder that there is something more involved. When we slowed down enough to hear and consider the words, “Merry Christmas,” we can be drawn into a sacred moment of remembrance of what God has done for us in the birth, life, teaching, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. Yet, sometimes, we can find it hard to find joy. Something is missing, or someone is missing. We are human beings with all the wonders of love and life. At the same time, some of us may experience the very real pain of loss or an ambiguous depression that doesn’t seem to make any sense at all. Then we can turn on ourselves, feeling bad for not illuminating and reflecting on the joy of the season and the people around us. It’s as if we need someone’s permission to experience our own real feelings. We want to honor the joy of the birth of Jesus and be honest with our own hearts. But both joy and sorrow do not seem to fit in the same space. So we find ourselves avoiding the celebration and people around us, or putting on our holiday mask to make it through the times. Yet, just as belief in the love of God and fear in certain aspects of the world around us co-exist, so can joy and sadness.

Over the years, I’ve known people who have been able to celebrate the gift of the season and the loss of love, or health, finances, or any other number of human losses. I know that this year, Tracie and I will be balancing the celebration of Christ’s coming into our world and lives. The greatest gift of love, salvation, and transformation, is countered by the very real unknown of our health. Many of you have more difficult losses or concerns than ours. Or, you may tell yourself your hurt is not comparable or deserving of being acknowledged in this festive time.

The irony is that the answer to our less-than-joyful feelings is the very season that surrounds us. The presence of God is the only true source of a love that transcends all hurts and fears. One that guarantees life beyond this one. Love which cannot be taken from us, and even faith when we are not sure how to believe. All of our great troubles of heart and mind can find peace in the presence of our Lord. This is not a promise that things will remain the same, or that today will go as we have planned. Instead, the promise of a child being born into the mess of humanity, healing us and loving us, even when we feel so undeserving. A child who will walk the good and troubled times of life with us, even to his own cross.

For a different look at Christmas and the presence of God, read 1 Kings 19:3-18. It’s the story of a great prophet who has a crisis of faith, only to discover God is and has been with him throughout his ordeal. Read about the lowest time in Elijah’s life. In this story, we read of Elijah fighting, being afraid, running away, and finally hearing and listening to the quiet voice of the Lord. He finds that he is not alone and the Lord will guide him and sustain him.

At Christmas, we can celebrate the joy of Jesus and recognize the trying times of this life. How? Because Jesus Christ is with you!

Merry Christmas, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

Pastor Rick