Blue Christmas
Did you know that 61% of 18-24 year olds feel lonely “frequently or almost all of the time”? That percentage is 36% in the general population. That likely means over one third of people are struggling to find the cheery merriment associated with Christmas this year. While the variables that lead to feelings of loneliness can be complex or unique, the feeling itself is ubiquitous.
Our early years on the mission field were our loneliest. Having young children and being cut off from family was especially difficult. Our Czech friends and neighbors spent their Christmases with extended family, so were either absent or occupied with hosting. The frost-laden landscape was cold and barren, and everything aberrantly still. After our own exchange of gifts and reciting of the nativity story there would be much time left in the day to fill. With no grandparents or cousins on the agenda the stillness was magnified.
We took that time to travel to nearby castles that were deserted and closed and for the novelty of it, we would walk through the barren pathways, gardens, and halls just for an activity. I can still recall vividly, each year gearing up for facing the emotional onslaught of loneliness borne of separation that would arrive during Christmas.
There were other defining griefs early in our own family life at Christmas. The heartache of loved ones missing, while the rest of the world goes on caroling. The discomfort of instability and forced transitions, the loss of a manageable world; it’s hard to celebrate when there’s nothing predictable in your life. It’s hard to celebrate when you’re struggling to keep your kids clothed and fed, much less provide gifts that would elevate their spirits. The struggle of life doesn’t take a break just because Christmas is making its yearly pass.
In turn there are many special and precious memories of beautiful Christmases I hold dear. Yet, the truth remains, that the earthly struggles do not cease for everyone every year just because it's Christmas.
Thankfully, our Savior like us was a man of sorrows. He acknowledged our state of enslavement and came to set us free. Christ was born in struggle, he lived and ministered in struggle, and he died in struggle. He did not come to minimize our pain, but to take it on himself. What a blessed relief, that Christ did not bring condemnation or demands, but restoration and redemption. His word is trustworthy and His presence is real. You can rest assured, if you find yourself in one of these lonely seasons of Christmas, that he promises us His presence. May Immanuel make Himself known to you in a unique and edifying way this Christmas.
