Omar Parada, Calendar, Nov. 20, 2011, via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution
I can’t sing this song without imitating Elvis (or at least trying). Singing the blues can be fun, but for many, Christmas really is blue. This is the season to be merry, to be around family, to be loved and to love. And a lot of people don’t see themselves fitting into that picture.
If you are not one of them, take some time today to pray for those who dread this time of year. Newly divorced, stressed out at work, newly widowed, unwillingly single: whatever the reason, there are a lot of unhappy people. Watch for them, and reach out with your hand, your heart, and your ear.
If you are the one having a blue Christmas, let me remind you that this time of year is not exempt from bad days, contrary to popular thought. The good news is, the body of Christ is open all year long, so you don’t ever have to sit in the dark alone.
My all-time favorite verse in the Bible is also the best antidote I know to discouragement: “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
This same intimate and affectionate God is the one who laid His Son in that manger for you. Find your strength in His joy: yours may not be enough to carry you ’til night, but His joy will carry you through to eternity.
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