A Different Kind of Christmas
I’ve always loved Christmas. As a child it was always a much anticipated, magical and joyful time. I always knew exactly what to expect going into the season, a house filled with family and friends, love, laughter, and lots of food cemented with family prayer and old stories of years gone by.
After I lost my mom, my Christmases changed forever. Consequently when the Christmas season comes around I find myself sometimes instead of focusing on Christ who is the reason for the season, longing for someone who I will never see on earth again.
Sensing my sadness, a friend said to me, Bernadine everything may not be the way you want it to be this Christmas but, you have to choose to be happy. I confess I was just a tiny bit annoyed because it seemed easier to long for Christmases past than trying to capture the happiness that suddenly seemed elusive. However, when I thought about it I knew she was absolutely right.
Happiness is a choice.
We decide each day whether we’re going to be happy or sad, whether we’re going to waste time longing for the past or enjoying the gift of the present…
I made my choice… I choose to be happy.
I know just saying I choose to be happy seems overly simplistic but it’s a choice I’ve been making daily. Some days I fail but each day I try.
Some changes that take place in life doesn’t necessarily make life better however it doesn’t have to make it worse either. It just makes it different. So what do you do? You get use to a different kind of normal, or in my case a different kind of Christmas.
However, in spite of having a different kind of Christmas one thing remains the same…
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
I pray that His peace will be with each of you who may be experiencing a different kind of Christmas for the first time this year. May the wonder, laughter and joy that Christ brings fill your heart again.
I know Christmas was a few days ago but I thought I’d share this rewritten post again anyway way as I simply couldn’t find the words to write something new. I wrote this a few years after I lost my mom. Less than three months ago I lost my dad. This is my first Christmas without both of them and it hurts dreadfully. I’m thankful though that I will see both of them again.
Good Word of encouragement. I always have a sense of sadness come over me during Christmas as well. Missing my Mom and my Dad, there is always an empty feeling but you are right, we must choose what mindset we will have. While it is sad without them, there are so many great memories with them.
Such a powerful and much needed message, Bernadine. Yes, our Christmases are now different. I still miss my parents, but I know what one day I will see them again. Until then, I will choose joy in the coming of our Lord and King.