I am a little depressed this Christmas; I shouldn’t be, but I am. I have so many things to be thankful for, but the holidays always remind me that five years ago my family was broken by divorce. Christmas depression is a real thing, and in today’s holiday world of commercials and events, you would think that Christmas is only successful if it is colorful and expensive. For many, just surviving the holidays is the most they can hope for. Today, as I struggle to reconcile my sadness, and I think about those who mourn, I will take the time to try to put Christmas and all the hype and commercialism into perspective.
May those who know loss be comforted.
May those who are cold be warmed.
May those who know violence be given peace.
May those who hate be softened.
May those who love be strengthened.
May those who are hungry be fed.
May those who feel broken be loved.
May those who did the breaking learn from it.
May those who are refugees find acceptance.
May those who mourn find hope.
May those who work find rest.
May those who guard be kept safe.
May the wonderful world we live in begin to heal from war and suffering and hate.
And may the people who can begin to realize that their only real purpose on earth is to help the people who can’t, for that is the true meaning of this season.
Love and joy to you and yours this holiday season. May whatever source of spiritual strength you honor bring you peace. May your heart be stirred to action for your fellow man. And may the God I follow grant you Grace through his son I celebrate this season.
46 Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
47 In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
48 He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
49 because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
